Strawberries, Sandwiches, and Side Quests

A metaphor in the deep end, strawberry malt cake, and the sandwich of summer.

Let It Be Sunday, 522!

This week on the blog, I set a single summer goal: to learn how to dive. I’ve avoided this moment since childhood swim lessons, but this summer? I’m leaning in (literally), even if it’s awkward. Especially if it’s awkward.

In this week’s post I’m sharing a few things I can’t stop thinking about: a 50-year-old woman turned bodybuilder, how to make new friends as an adult (less scary than diving, arguably), the best hot dogs, and the secret to the best sweet tea among other important things.

Read it here: Let’s Dive In (Literally)

New on the Blog This Week:

Whipped cream that tastes like a milkshake! That’s the most important thing you need to know about this Strawberry Malt Icebox Cake! We’re just in time for the holiday weekend! This no-bake dream of a dessert layers vanilla wafers, malted whipped cream, and fresh strawberries (or bananas, if you're feeling it). The wafers soften into cake layers, which gives effort, without giving much at all.

• Originally published at: https://joythebaker.com/ Read the full recipe with step-by-step photos and tips on the blog → https://joythebaker.com/2025/06/strawberry-malt-icebox-cake/

Ok, But I’m Not Going Anywhere Without a Sandwich

I won’t take a drive over two hours without this sandwich riding shotgun: The Road Trip Sandwich. It’s sweet, salty, briny (hi banana peppers), smoky with gouda, and bound together with a generous swipe of Duke’s mayo, obvi.If you're hitting the road this summer, this sandwich is your co-pilot.

More from me midweek, friends!

xo Joy