One of the best things about summer is the amazing array of fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs available in abundance from the garden (and growing wild in the fields & forests too!) With so many ingredients at their peak, it’s the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. Seasonal produce can inspire refreshing drinks, delightful main dishes, divine desserts, zesty condiments, and more. The recipes below celebrate some of my…
This simple vinaigrette is a lovely way to infuse your summer salads with the flavor and soothing spirit of chamomile. Tangy and floral, it pairs beautifully with fresh greens and seasonal herbs. Garnish with fresh chamomile blossoms for a sweet finishing touch.
Whether you’ve just finished a long hike, spent a hot afternoon chasing the kids, are breastfeeding a little one, or recovering from illness, replenishing your fluids properly is key to staying healthy and feeling your best. However, drinking plain water isn’t always enough. When you sweat, breastfeed, or lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, your body also loses electrolytes. And if you’re low on these essential minerals, it can negatively impact several…
On a hot day, few things are more refreshing than a cold glass of agua fresca. This traditional beverage, whose name literally means “fresh water,” is popular throughout Latin America. Made by blending fruits, herbs, and water, each region has its own variation, and popular ingredients include watermelon, lime, hibiscus, and tamarind. However you make it, sipping agua fresca is a refreshing way to beat the heat. This version combines…
This blueberry salsa is a fresh take on the classic Mexican salsa, pico de gallo. The bright flavors of lime and cilantro, compliment blueberry’s deep fruity notes, making for a delicious condiment that pairs perfectly with tacos, tortilla chips, quesadillas, and so much more! Ingredients: Directions: Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir well to combine. Cover and put into the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld for…
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer. It invites us to slow down, get outside, and soak up the sweetness of the season. One of our family’s favorite solstice traditions is packing a backpack full of snacks, taking a hike, and enjoying a picnic in one of our favorite spots. I love baking this Solstice Sun Bread to bring along. It’s easy…
Cacao + Cayenne Dry Rub combines rich cacao (Theobroma cacao) with spicy cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), creating a blend that gives grilled meats a deep, complex flavor with a little kick. A touch of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) rounds out the mix, adding a touch of sweetness.
This hot sauce is bursting with summer flavor. Juicy, tart blackberries and bright cilantro combined with fresh jalapeños make for a delicious spicy condiment you’ll want to put on everything! It goes great with tacos, quesadillas, and eggs. It also makes a great accompaniment to charcuterie boards. Stir it into cream cheese to make a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips for a simple summer appetizer. Ingredients: Makes…
These crispy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy an abundance of zucchini from the summer garden. Ingredients: Directions: Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place it in a mesh strainer and salt gently. Work the salt through the shredded zucchini and let sit for about 10 minutes. Then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Don’t skip this step! If there’s too much moisture in…
Peaches are much more versatile than they typically get credit for. While often relegated to desserts (which admittedly are quite wonderful) they also lend delightful flavor to numerous beverages, sauces, dressings, and even savory dishes too! Sweet, juicy peaches pair perfectly with salty bacon and tangy blue cheese, creating a unique flavor combination that is hard to resist! Simple, yet impressive this sandwich is easy to put together and makes…