Summertime Comes to an End

I can't believe the Summer is almost over and school starts soon!  And, I'll have a Middle Schooler.  My sweet Avery has blossomed from my sweet tiny girl into a smart, witty, still adorable 11 year old.  We've had a fun Summer filled with acting camp, church camp, friend visits,

birthday parties (for both!), lazy days at home cooking and just being together

with her younger sister while Daddy's been at work.  

 

 

We were goofing off and I snapped this picture of us, which I just love. She's being silly and making "crazy big eyes" as she says, but I love it. I love us.   She's ready to start the next step in her life, and after the Summer with her little sister I think she's ready to be around kids her own age all the time. 

When you look at her little face, you'll immediately understand.  She's precious, but mischevous! 

Harper's 4th Birthday

 

 Avery's birthday party picture--she does not like this photo, she says it makes her look goofy too.  Welcome to the Middle School years!

Avery's 11th Sleepover-themed Birthday

This one, she likes.........

When Summer Heat is High--Cool Down with Fresh Recipes!

It's hot & humid in NC during the Summer, even more so than usual this year it seems.  Turning on the oven to cook when you're already sweltering doesn't make my top 10 list of fun things to do!  Recently, I made several salads to share with you.  They are relatively easy to put together, require minimal stovetop or grill use, and are cold and delicious! 

The Best Chicken Salad Ever II

The first is my favorite--titled The Best Chicken Salad Ever.  The savory dressing has a fresh lemon tang plus poppyseeds.  Lemon poppyseed anything is a favorite in my house!  I did not use the grapes the recipe lists, but substituted blueberries.  Lemon.  Poppyseeds.  Blueberries.  It's a natural progression, and this chicken salad is oh-so-GOOD! 

Gourmet Egg Salad Sandwich

Next is another main dish salad.  If you like pesto, and feeling like you're in an Italian Cafe, this one may be for you.  You can't see it in the picture, but this egg salad also has BACON.  (That got your attention, didn't it?).  It's delicious, and my 10 year old daughter thought it was one of the best things she's ever eaten.  Jarlsberg cheese is fairly expensive, so you can substitute sliced Swiss if you'd like.

Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad

Lastly, a great side salad for the hottest of Summer days.  If you have a mint explosion in your backyard garden like I do, use some of it here!  All of the flavors complement each other very well, and my only change to the recipe would be to chill it before you serve it to maximize its refreshment factor.  This would be a good introductory recipe for anyone who might be afraid to try something that they deem to be "weird" because cucumber and watermelon aren't as threatening as leeks or fennel.  Baby steps, folks!

Stay cool, and come back again!

Gazpacho!

Gazpacho is one of "those" dishes I've always wanted to try but I've been hesitant because it's basically cold soup.  Actually, that's exactly what it is.  I had imagined chilled V-8 juice in a bowl, but this recipe made me a believer!  Anything that takes fresh vegetables is a plus, and you can use Summer's bounty to treat yourself also. 

Gazpacho Vegetables--and a Lime

This gazpacho requires peeled tomatoes.  An easy way to get the skin off is to boil some water, drop the tomatoes in for about 10-15 seconds, and remove them to cool for a minute.  Then, you'll be able to peel them easily:

My 10 year old took this picture.  It's impossible to take a photo when both hands are occupied, so thanks Avery B!  Follow the rest of the directions, and you'll end up with something that looks like this:

Chef John's Gazpacho

Click on the link below the photo and you can make it for your family to try.
Divine! And perfect for those steamy Summer days........Enjoy!