Recipes You Need To Cook This Week: August 12-18

As we are pretty much in the last month of summer, many of us are emotionally torn — sad that the playful season is coming to an end, but also excited and looking forward to fall that's quickly approaching. August not only brings some serious heatwaves to many parts of the country, but is also one of the most delicious and abundant times for produce to grow. Local farmers markets are currently overflowing with so many incredible and colorful varieties of fruits and vegetables that it's a shame to not to be enjoying them.

Zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and strawberries are all at their peak right now and are so sweet that they require very little to shine. In our efforts to promote and hopefully inspire you to take advantage of these summer gems, we have thoughtfully curated a week's worth of recipes that we're obsessed with cooking right now.

Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

Super-delicate and full of flavor; zucchini flowers have a short window of availability during the summer. Although these taste incredible tossed in soft scrambled eggs or simple pasta (like Grandma used to make), our favorite way to enjoy them is stuffed with fresh ricotta and lightly fried until golden brown. The combination of a crisp exterior and a rich, creamy center makes these little morsels an addictive snack and a perfect seasonal appetizer.

Sweet Corn and Clam Chowder

Fresh sweet corn plays nicely with shellfish, especially clams, in this delicious take on chowder. This recipe is complex, but very comforting and easy to prepare at the same time. The addition of thick-cut bacon lardons brings a smoky element to the soup that balances out the whole dish.

New England Lobster Roll

Nothing says summer like a good old-fashioned lobster roll. This recipe is a favorite of ours because it really lets the lobster take center stage; it doesn't rely on extra fillers like lettuce or anything else that doesn't belong in this New England classic. Don't forget to butter and toast your buns though, the contrast of a warm bun and chilled lobster meat makes for an eating experience that will instantly transport you to your favorite seafood shack.

Panzanella Salad

This bread salad is a Florentine favorite that is especially popular in summer. The basic ingredients are day-old bread, tomatoes, onions, basil, and a dressing made out of olive oil and vinegar, but you can get creative and add whatever vegetables look the best at the market. Make it a full meal by adding some nicely grilled chicken for extra protein.

Strawberry Pie

This fresh, seasonal pie is extremely easy to make. With the exception of the graham cracker crust (which only cooks for seven minutes) this pie is bake-free, which means it's almost as quick to make as it is simple. Let the strawberries macerate for at least an hour so that the flavors mingle together and start to form a sauce. For more warm-weather sweet treats that don't require you to heat up your kitchen, check out these 10 no-bake desserts for summer parties.