With this weekend marking the unofficial start of summer (says me), maybe you’re looking for some delicious warm weather treats?

Maybe you’re still looking for ideas to make for your Memorial Day picnic that is in 8/24/48 hours? Maybe you’re a super planner and have stockpiled ideas since March? That would not be me. I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, what-sounds-good-right-this-instant type of party food person.

We have to talk burgers. Cheeseburgers with mustard aioli are a must. Be untraditional and make some sweet potato burgers or crab cake sliders. Actually, just browse this entire section of sandwiches and burgers and please make me one. Or four.

You can make this chicken in the crockpot and be insanely low maintenance. It includes beer. Happy happy joy joy.

Don’t forget the hot dogs! Simple, traditional hot dogs may be best for your get together this weekend but promise me you will trash up a dog before September 2013. Pinky swear?

What is summer without baked beans? Nothing. That’s what it is. P.S. they are made with bourbon.

I have a dip dependency. Last year I consumed this white pizza dip with just a few other humans. Like the entire dip. Blueberry cheddar dip sounds weird but has never been followed up with a complaint. JUST DO IT. Cheesy caramelized corn dip is a food group. And this recent beer cheese queso should be a given. No words needed.

If you’re a corn fanatic like I am, you might enjoy some grilled corn cheddar quinoa. If quinoa makes your head spin you may as well just grill your corn then cover it in bacon butter. Yeah I said it. Bacon. Butter.

If you want to feel good about yourself, or as I call it “project don’t feel like crap on holidays” (which, by the way, I’m currently completely failing at) then you should probably make this summertime chopped salad. But my one and only vote goes to some roasted tomato caprese panzanella. I ate that at least once a week last summer. Since it’s a salad the bread doesn’t count. #truth

Thirsty and hot? Please have a margarita. If tequila frightens you (as it should), this cantaloupe coconut lassi is so fun.

I could never choose a favorite summer dessert, but I hope you’ll make some ice cream cupcakes or this gin and tonic cake. Super refreshing. So real.

What’s your summer treat of choice? Are you picnicking this weekend? That’s a verb now, you know. Tell me! I like to share.