Spring was a busy time and it looks like Summer is going to be the same. Along with the extra work of gardening and taking care of everything outside we're working on a few home projects while also trying to find time for some fun. It's good to get it all done now though so I can hibernate in peace during the Winter.
We've already been enjoying so much of the seasonal foods this time of year brings. We've been eating so many BIG salads with fresh salad mixes. The snow peas, radishes and cucumbers have all been so amazing. We've had fried green tomatoes, BLT's and zucchini fries. That first BLT of the year is always so delicious. I love winter but Spring and Summer garden veggies have been missed.
I find that basil does better in pots than out in the herb garden. I always do two large pots so we have enough to eat fresh, to dehydrate and make pesto for the winter. I love fresh basil.
I dehydrated my first batch on Sunday and it filled a pint jar. By next weekend I should have enough for a batch of pesto and a tomato, basil pizza which is my favorite.
A friend of mine gave me a huge pot of hens and chickens to plant in the yard. This is a new to me variety and I think they're gorgeous. I also was given a dogwood start for Earth Day. I have it in a pot for now so that by Fall the roots will be much larger and then I'll plant it in the back yard.
Reading outside on the back patio is one my favorite things about summer. So far I've enjoyed The Little Giant of Aberdeen County and The Gilly Salt Sisters both by Tiffany Baker along with A Bakery in Paris by Aimie Runyan. All were very good but the last was a 10 for me. The story, characters and the writing were captivating.
Meals have been on the simple side. We've been mainly cooking on the grill or having Big salads and more veggie focused light meals. Tonight I'm doing poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, onions and ground lamb over rice because I've been craving them for a few weeks.
I've decided to go back to soy candles and found this one that smells heavenly. Who doesn't like caramelized praline? I think the soy candles just burn a lot cleaner.
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying Summer (or winter for some of you). I'll leave you with a cute picture I snapped of Binx, who always brings a smile. My boy is all grown up.
Beautiful post
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteBinx is so cute! Can't you tell I'm almost ready for another cat here?
ReplyDeleteHe's not a baby anymore and I miss that but he's still so smart, crazy and curious. Too bad you're not closer so you can visit and get your cat fix any time you want to.
DeleteThis is the best time of year for wonderful salads! I only grow tomatoes but I get a lot of produce from the local farmers market.
ReplyDeleteIt is the best time of year for salads. I'm glad you have a good local farmers market. We do too and I love going there. I'm growing less and less of my own each year. But I will probably always grow herbs, peppers and tomatoes.
DeleteYes mam, summer foods are all so yummy and just love all the ones you mentioned. It seems we seasonalize our dinners a lot, and it sure is a joy to change seasons each year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome big boy! I just love cats!
Stay cool and have a grand week.
By the end of winter I'm craving fresh produce and light meals and by the end of the summer I'm craving comfort food and soups, stews. Living seasonal is the way to do it.
DeleteI love cats too and Binx is an awesome one.
Stay cool yourself.
Binx is so cute!
ReplyDeleteHe is. Can you believe he's 3 already?
DeleteHi Lori! Thanks for stopping at my blog. I agree - Spring and Summer veggies are so good. I also love tomato/basil pizza. Our basil is growing well and I plan to dehydrate some for the first time this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Mari. I read a number of your posts and will be back. Tomato, basil pizza is one of my favorites. Have a good day.
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