2009_06_19-Weekend.jpgWhat's cooking this weekend? Are you eating outdoors on the front stoop or back deck? (If so, send us photos of your al fresco meal!) If you're looking for a little weekend cooking inspiration, here are some new recipes and good ideas from the past week at The Kitchn.

Above: An al fresco lunch with a friend. Simple salad, white bean dip, crackers, fresh yellow tomatoes, and crunchy, salty green beans from the market.

• Antipasti platters for house guests, cupcake burgers and fries, and ketchup with a kick.

• Where to find vanilla beans in bulk (at good prices).

• Five really good reasons to keep a chocolate bar stashed in the cupboard.

• Essential serving dishes for entertaining.

• Summer fruit: delicate berries, dark cherries, and sweet nectarines.

• More summer: squash blossoms and grilled pizza.

• An enviably sunny white kitchen and a green outdoor oasis with an Airstream.

• Good ideas? Pre-printed freezer bags, non-soggy lunch sandwiches, and calibrating your meat thermometer. Also! Did you know you can freeze your butter wrappers?

• Sumo wrestler noodles that won't leave you looking like a sumo wrestler.

• Fragrant herbal tisanes for summer evenings.

• We love these orange tomato cages!

• Is American cheese good for some things?

Have a great weekend! Make sure to stop in Sunday for a very special recipe from Dana's father in this edition of the Weekend Meditation. And see you all Monday!

(Image: Faith Durand)