Embracing Summer: Weekend Adventures, Fresh Flavors & Wellness Wisdom
Happy Friday, or at least, I think it is! This week has been a delightful blur, truly challenging my sense of time. The mid-week holiday, especially with Connor unexpectedly having extra time off for the Fourth of July celebrations, created a wonderful disruption to our usual routine. While it brought a welcome pause, it also left me delightfully confused about the exact day. But as we head into another weekend, let’s take a moment to reset and reflect on the joyful moments and inspiring finds that have punctuated these past few days.
I sincerely apologize for the noticeable absence of new recipes on the blog this week. My attention has been entirely captivated by several large and exciting projects currently on the horizon. These endeavors require a significant amount of focus and dedication, temporarily shifting my culinary creativity from the kitchen to other areas. However, please rest assured that this is a temporary pause. I promise that our regular schedule of delicious and innovative recipes will resume in full force next week. The anticipation is building, especially with all the incredible, vibrant berries making their grand appearance at the local farmer’s market – just like the beautiful fresh red currants pictured above, bursting with color and flavor!
The thought of diving back into baking projects with these seasonal gems is incredibly exciting. I’m already dreaming up pies, tarts, and delightful preserves that will showcase the best of summer’s bounty. From the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries to the tangy pop of blueberries and the tart elegance of red currants, the possibilities are endless. These fresh ingredients inspire not just new recipes, but also a renewed connection to the vibrant cycle of nature and the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. Stay tuned, because the kitchen will be buzzing with activity very soon!
Last weekend, we embarked on a much-needed escape from the urban hustle, taking a scenic drive out to Marley’s absolute favorite spot in the entire city: Prairie Wolf. This isn’t just any dog park; it’s a sprawling 40-acre haven where canines can roam freely off-leash, a true paradise for our beloved furry friend. And truth be told, it’s quickly become one of our favorite spots too, offering a refreshing respite for humans and dogs alike.
Marley has always been remarkably well-behaved off-leash, though I’d hesitate to test him in unfenced, high-traffic areas. However, this particular visit to Prairie Wolf truly showcased his best self. Watching him bound across the vast open fields, rolling around with pure abandon in the lush green grass, was a sight to behold. He dug with enthusiastic glee, creating little craters of joy, and even took a refreshing “swim” in the tranquil pond, splashing and paddling with boundless energy. The freedom he experienced, galloping without restraint, made him look happier than I’ve ever seen him. His entire being radiated unadulterated joy.
While we deeply cherish our life in the city, with its vibrant energy and endless opportunities, there’s something incredibly special about witnessing Marley in his true element – surrounded by nature, unburdened by leashes or urban constraints. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of escaping the concrete jungle, even if just for a few hours. These moments, watching our dog revel in simple pleasures, compel us to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly appreciate the little things in life that bring us, and our loved ones, the greatest happiness. It’s a powerful lesson in finding joy in the everyday, connecting with nature, and cherishing the bonds we share.
As the holiday weekend draws to a close, I sincerely hope you all had a wonderfully safe and joyful time, surrounded by the warmth of friends and family. These shared moments are what truly make life special.
A Few Favorite Finds & Inspirations This Week
This week has been full of delicious discoveries, inspiring reads, and practical tips that I’m thrilled to share. From culinary delights perfect for the summer heat to valuable life advice, here are a few things that have truly captured my attention and sparked joy:
The most incredibly refreshing frozen mint lemonade. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like the invigorating blend of zesty lemon and cool, fresh mint, all blended into a frosty, slushy delight. It’s the ultimate thirst quencher and a perfect way to beat the heat, making it an essential addition to any summer refreshment repertoire.
Salmon ceviche? My culinary curiosity is absolutely piqued by this! Ceviche is already one of my all-time favorite summer dishes – light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors. The idea of combining the delicate richness of salmon with the aromatic depth of red curry in a ceviche format sounds like an innovative and irresistible twist. I’m totally into exploring this exciting fusion for my next warm-weather appetizer.
I know I briefly mentioned it last week, but I truly devoured this particular book over the past seven days. It’s a captivating read that left a lasting impression, offering valuable insights and practical knowledge. Without a doubt, it’s more than worthy of a prominent addition to our curated list of books designed to help you become a better cook. I absolutely loved every page, finding it both enlightening and incredibly enjoyable.
The incredibly talented Tessa recently shared all of her most essential baking tips. As a true baking pro, Tessa’s advice is invaluable. If you recall her stunning London fog cake, you know her expertise is unmatched. These tips are gold for anyone looking to elevate their cake baking skills, ensuring flawless results every time. I always look to her for reliable and inspiring baking guidance.
Searching for the best way to utilize all those in-season sour cherries? Look no further than a galette! This rustic, free-form pie is not only beautiful but also incredibly forgiving. It’s the perfect vehicle to highlight the tart-sweet complexity of fresh sour cherries, allowing their natural flavor to shine through in a deliciously simple dessert that embodies summer’s bounty. The vibrant color and tangy taste are simply irresistible.
A beautiful and incredibly refreshing chilled avocado soup! This sounds like the epitome of sophisticated summer dining. Light, creamy, and wonderfully cool, it’s the perfect starter or light lunch for a sweltering day. The combination of cooling cucumber with the rich silkiness of avocado promises a truly delightful and surprisingly invigorating experience. This is definitely on my list to try!
Woh, woh, woh. These cauliflower arancini are absolutely insane! Arancini, typically fried rice balls, are already a delicious indulgence. But to create a “giant baked cauliflower arancini” takes this classic to a whole new level of creative genius and perhaps a slightly healthier twist. The thought of crispy, flavorful cauliflower in this format is truly mind-blowing and has me eager to experiment in the kitchen.
I am finally finishing up my Japan travel posts (yes, I know, like three months later – the sheer volume of incredible photographs created a wonderful overwhelm!). I can hardly wait to share all of our adventures and insights with you very soon. My goal is to capture the essence of our journey, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and beyond. Is there anything specific you’d love for me to write about, perhaps a particular city, culinary experience, or cultural aspect you’re curious about? Your input helps shape what I share!
A fantastic read on how to create wellness and balance within a routine. In our increasingly busy lives, finding harmony can be a challenge. This article offers practical and insightful ways to infuse a sense of “wildness” or freedom into our daily routines, promoting greater well-being and a more balanced existence. It’s a gentle reminder that even small adjustments can make a significant difference in how we feel and function.
An absolutely crucial tomato storing tip, especially vital for preserving those perfect summer tomatoes! We all want our fresh produce to last as long as possible, and this simple trick can make a remarkable difference in maintaining the flavor and texture of your ripe tomatoes. This method helps to prevent moisture loss and spoilage, ensuring your summer bounty stays fresh and delicious. Interestingly, I’ve found this technique works just as well with fresh pineapples, extending their freshness and keeping them perfectly ripe for longer.
From the Archives: A Look Back at July Favorites
To tide you over until new recipes arrive, let’s revisit some beloved July classics from the blog’s archives. These are timeless recipes that perfectly capture the flavors and spirit of summer:
- Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies (2016): A truly delightful combination of bright lemon zest and aromatic basil, creating an unexpected yet harmonious flavor profile in a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie. Perfect for afternoon tea or a light summer dessert.
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon-Shallot Butter (2015): Elevate your side dish game with these tender roasted fingerling potatoes, infused with the delicate anise notes of tarragon and the subtle sweetness of shallots in a rich butter sauce. A simple yet elegant accompaniment to any meal.
- Fried Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed with Basil Ricotta (2014): A true seasonal delicacy! These delicate zucchini blossoms are gently stuffed with a creamy, herbed ricotta mixture, then lightly fried to a golden crisp. They’re an absolute showstopper and a testament to summer’s fleeting beauty.
- Gougeres (2013): Light, airy, and bursting with cheesy flavor, these French cheese puffs are utterly addictive. Perfect as an appetizer or a sophisticated snack, they’re surprisingly simple to make and always impress.
And with that, I’m out! Thank you for joining me on this weekly recap. I wish you all a truly wonderful, relaxing, and joy-filled weekend. Enjoy the summer weather and cherish every moment!