Category Archives: summer

closeup lemon parmesan steak salad

Lemon Parmesan Steak Salad

September 5, 2023

closeup lemon parmesan steak salad

Here is simplicity for a hot summer day. Make this lemony salad dressing a day or two ahead. When you’re ready, grill the flat iron steak and slice it after resting. Scatter lettuce leaves across plates or platter, top with steak and drizzle with dressing. Simple meal, done. Continue reading

bowls of bloody mary fresh corn soup

Bloody Mary Fresh Corn Soup

August 24, 2023

bowls of bloody mary fresh corn soup

Cold soup appeals to me when the heat index stands between me and the stove. Local corn is still in season and that sweet crunch contributes to a nice light meal. Best thing is no cooking! Continue reading

plate of tuna with corn and capers

Tuna with Corn and Capers

July 26, 2023

plate of tuna with corn and capers

Summertime and the cooking is easy, for the obvious reason of wanting to generate less heat. This tasty recipe features local corn and the meatiness of grilled tuna. Grilling the tuna is quick and easy. Creamy corn with capers, white wine and shallot takes only a few stovetop minutes. If you want a side of asparagus as shown here, the microwave will help. Continue reading

bowl of sugar snap potato salad

Sugar Snap Potato Salad

June 8, 2023

bowl of sugar snap potato salad

Picnic season is here. Backyard barbecue season is in full swing. Your task is to prepare a side dish. Preferably this side dish is one everyone can enjoy. That means vegan and gluten free. Here is the perfect easy side salad. In addition, this Sugar Snap Potato Salad makes a tasty base for all manner of grilled proteins. Continue reading

piece of lemon blueberry cheesecake bars

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

May 24, 2023

piece of lemon blueberry cheesecake bars

Blueberries are in season. Are you hungry for cake, pie or bars? This Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars recipe has all those wishes covered. Crust and filling like a pie, tangy lemony cream cheese middle like cheesecake. Equally important, this spring dessert is crafted as bars to cut whatever size serving your heart desires. Continue reading

slice of zucchini fudge cake

Zucchini Fudge Cake

October 4, 2022

slice of zucchini fudge cake

Zucchini is one of the last local summer vegetables at the roadside stands. Slick green squash batons keep company on the racks with many-hued fall squashes, smooth and warty, solid and spotted and striped. Continue reading

plate of pimento cheese tomato pie

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

September 20, 2022

plate of pimento cheese tomato pie

Until I tested this recipe, I had never had tomato pie. It’s apparently a southern thing, but I missed class that day. Countless versions exist in the vast online recipe wilderness. At last, I decided to fly bind and create something I would like to enjoy and serve guests. My goal was a marriage between pimento cheese and a savory tart with shortbread crust, using the last of the local tomatoes. Here is my version. Continue reading

plate of salmo with cucunber corn salsa

Salmon with Cucumber Corn Salsa

September 6, 2022

plate of salmo with cucunber corn salsa

 

Simple is best. A nice piece of fish, prepared well, with summer’s bounty of local vegetables : that’s a perfect meal. Today’s recipe honors the last of  fresh corn season. Virginia sweet corn is starting to peter out, but fortunately colorful autumn fruits and vegetables are taking its place at the stands. Continue reading

platter of summer veggie shrimp cups

Summer Veggie Shrimp Cups

Summer Veggie Shrimp Cups

august 24, 2022

platter of summer veggie shrimp cups

 

Eating light and cooking minimally go together well. This recipe for shrimp and summer vegetable lettuce cups is colorful, light, easy and versatile as appetizer or entree. You can also customize for spicy heat, types of vegetables and different proteins. Use this as your summer template. Continue reading

Cucumber Rosewater Vodka Cocktail

august 9, 2022

glass of cucumber rosewater vodka cocktail

A summer cocktail with the subtle, yet distinctive, flavors of cucumber and rosewater requires a special spirit. Sugarcane-based rum is too sweet and tequila from the agave plant is too strong. Continue reading