Meghan Splawn

2 weeks ago | simplyrecipes.com | Meghan Splawn

Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Baking With Dolly “You either really love Dolly or you really love mac and cheese,” the grocery cashier said as she slid the nearly five-pound Dolly Parton-branded casserole over the scanner. “You know, it's mostly just curiosity,” I confessed.

2 weeks ago | simplyrecipes.com | Meghan Splawn

Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Getty Images A pitcher of homemade sweet tea is a beacon of Southern hospitality. Always at the ready, you can offer a glass of the refreshing drink to any guest, at any time. While you can find gallons of sweet tea at almost any grocery store in the South, locals pride themselves on their homemade recipes. Some swear by certain tea brands; others make simple syrup for sweetening, and nearly all houses have a special pitcher dedicated to serving the sweet stuff.

2 weeks ago | simplyrecipes.com | Meghan Splawn

Simply Recipes / Getty Images Trader Joe's new Hard Top Chocolate Shell Topping is almost exactly how you remember that magical ice cream topping of our youth—it sets from saucy to hard and brittle almost as soon as it hits the ice cream. The result is a cracking top that makes even the most basic vanilla more delicious and fun. If you work quickly, you can add sprinkles or chopped nuts before the topping sets, making it a must for ice cream this summer.

2 weeks ago | simplyrecipes.com | Meghan Splawn

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock When it comes to summer hosting, Costco is one of my favorite places to shop. It has the best deals on everything you need for cookouts and picnics. The Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs and Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck Beef Patties are two perennial favorites in our household. As summer kicks off, I also stock up on foil sheets and paper plates.

2 weeks ago | simplyrecipes.com | Meghan Splawn

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock Your new favorite summer condiment just arrived at ALDI: Grillo’s Pickle De Gallo Salsa. Fans of Grillo’s pickle products might already be familiar with this dill pickle salsa, but those who haven’t tried this pickle-lovers' favorite are in for a real treat. Grillo’s fresh kosher pickles are beloved by many, and according to the brand, Grillo’s uses a 100-year-old recipe to produce everything from the dill spears to the flaming hot chips.