Stressing about summer coming to an end? Don't. I'm here to remind you that it's still summer. In fact, we're at summer's most summery moment—the blazing-hot days when corn and tomatoes and watermelon are in epic ripe abundance.
So don't start planning your Thanksgiving menu just yet. There 18 days until the end of Labor Day weekend (and 34 days until the autumnal equinox!)—and I've put together a list of 18 ways to get the most flavor out of summer while it lasts. Ready, set, go:
It's never too late to master our favorite summer coffee. Already making cold brew like a pro? Make it even cooler.
Or a tart. Or pie bars. Whichever way you slice it, summer fruit and berries are just waiting to be baked with.
We created 13 fun ways to put tomatoes on bread—because tomatoes will never taste as good the rest of the year as they do right now.
Speaking of tomatoes: puree them into a super-refreshing cold soup for lunch or dinner. You don't even need a recipe.
Corn on the cob? Check. Corn beyond the cob? That's next level.
Life's a beach when you're sipping fruity frozen cocktails in the sun. Pick one of our favorite recipes and make it for all your friends (or, uh, just you).
It isn't summer until you get watermelon juice all over your hands. Had enough slices already? Here's 27 other ways to eat it.
You might be too hot to cook dinner for your friends, but your slow cooker isn't. So let the slow cooker host a party for eight.
Want to try making real wood-fired pizza at home? Your charcoal grill and one special piece of equipment is all you need. (The slightly-less-obsessed can use one of these recipes.)
Go with the classic, or think outside the root beer box.
Grilled hot dogs deserve more than just ketchup and mustard. Here's 38 brilliant ways to top 'em.
This is perhaps the most ambitious suggestion on this list, since it means pitching a tent and camping overnight. But waking up next to a smoldering camp fire and nestling a foil pack into the coals for breakfast is totally worth it.
Leafy greens and juicy grilled steak are a match made in summer heaven. Haven't tried it yet? Here are 12 recipes to get you going.
Everything tastes better when you kebab it. Case in point: this Indian-spiced chicken number.
It's called the Steakburger, and it's made with ground dry-aged beef (yes, that's right) and topped with caramelized onions that taste like steak sauce.
Because once winter comes, you'll regret not having lain in the grass with some cheese and charcuterie (and wine).
Summer's not over until you crack into at least one crustacean. Steam it, grill it, or go full-hog and cook up your own shellfish boil.
It's how you make summer's flavors last even longer.
