In case you missed it, I've got two summer squash extruders working overtime in our front yard. As a result, we've got more zucchini than we know what to do with. Also popping off every day, it seems, are these beautiful squash blossoms. They're quite the sight. Paper-thin and brilliant orange, like wisps of fire. Tasty, too.
Read MoreNo Room for Perfect: Family Vacation '14
Maybe it's all those glossy magazine spreads that did it. Or just some pent-up longing for a calm, communal escape. Either way, I’d convinced myself that we had all the makings of a perfect family summer vacation before us.
Read MoreSautéed Shishito Peppers
This summer was the first season I've managed to grow and maintain a vegetable garden with any kind of success. Sure, there was plenty to deal with - an aphid infestation, a dozen or so ravenous hornworms, one-too-many moldy tomatoes - but it's been a deeply satisfying process. What's not to love about having regular access to super fresh, super delicious produce that I wouldn't otherwise buy? Take Japanese shishito peppers, for example.
Read MoreCorn, Tomato & Sweet Onion Salad with Basil Dressing
Corn salads rule. They're almost foolproof. Especially in the peak of summer when corn is at its most sweet and flavorful. Cook some corn, slice it off the cob, combine it with some other fresh seasonal vegetables and a nice vinaigrette, and you're good to go. This one, with cherry tomatoes and sweet onion, is a perfect picnic salad. Light, flavorful, herbaceous... an ode to the flavors of summer.
Read MoreSimple Cherry Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes! Everywhere! Heirlooms, jubilees, beefsteaks, romas, as far as the eye can see. With so many varieties of tomatoes available this time of the year, it's easy to forget about the humble cherry tomato. Truth-be-told, I'm not usually that big of a fan. Maybe it's because I only run across them in the occasional office party crudité platter... thick-skinned, flavorless. But after buying a couple small baskets for a corn salad, I had a bunch of tasty and tender balconi reds and yellow pear cherry tomatoes laying around.
Read MoreStone Fruit Creamsicles
For the last few weekends, stone fruit has been spilling out of farmers market stands all around these parts. Last Saturday, we came home with a bounty of nectarines, plums, and pluots. Then I remembered a Sunset Magazine article I dogeared last summer with a recipe for nectarine creamsicles. Since I'm always looking for an excuse to break out the popsicle mold, I thought I'd give it a try.
Read MoreGrilled Ancho Chili-Spiced Skirt Steak
Sure, we've been taking it easy on the red meat as of late. But that doesn't mean the urge doesn't come calling. You know which one I'm talking about. Especially now that summer is in full swing and the smell of charcoal wafting through the evening breeze is a nightly happening. So when the opportunity arose to pick up a beautiful 1.5 pound skirt steak, I jumped on it.
Read MoreRoasted Red Pepper and Potato Soup
Fresh ingredients prepared simply… that’s usually all it takes to make delicious food. This soup is exactly that. With just 3 main ingredients – red peppers, potatoes, and an onion – you’ve got the makings of a soup that is smokey, rich, creamy, and filled with flavor.
Read MoreCorn Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
There's no better way to fire up on the flavors of summer than with some fresh, sweet corn. Check out this easy recipe for a delicious corn salad. Sweet, fresh, bright... this one turned into summer staple real fast.
Read MoreGrilled Sweet Potatoes
Colorful, tasty, with a nice zing... and healthy! My 6-year-old nephew even said he loved 'em. Kid tested, mother approved, and another good excuse for Dad to fire up the grill.
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