Ode to Summer

And just like that, summer is over.


It was a pretty fabulous one, filled with beaches and wineries, music festivals and cottages.


I was surprised to still see peaches at the market this weekend and quickly snatched up a basket. Preserving peaches - my last ode to summer.


Goodbye, summer. See you in eight months.

Quinoa with Zucchini, Currants & Dill

One of the many reasons why I love summer is dragon boat.


There's nothing like being on the water after a long day at work, paddling out your frustrations. The gravy on top is gliding into the sunset with the city skyline visible. Golden hour, indeed.


I am also quite fond of my team because we all know what's important: the potluck meal on race days. Sure, we take our competitions seriously, but it's the food that is of utmost importance. We have our priorities straight.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

I've been dreaming of strawberry rhubarb pie for months.



It got to the point where I could no longer wait for strawberry season and I broke down and purchased a pie to satisfy that craving. It turned out to be disappointing not because it was store bought, but because it was a cherry pie even though I was told otherwise. The horror.


Another problem with store bought pies is they tend to be overly sweet. Alas, I impatiently waited for strawberry season to arrive, rounded up some friends to go picking, and turned all that hard work into preserves and pie.

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Farro Salad with Roasted Radishes & Asparagus

Things I've been enjoying:


+ Freshly picked lettuce from my garden. (My beautiful chard and basil, on the other hand, are being eaten alive by some sort of bug. Tears!)

+ The start of my dragonboat season.


+ The Stop's Night Market. So. much. food.

+ 30+ degrees weather. Some may complain, but I've been waiting months for this weather to arrive.

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Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

There are days when I purchase an ingredient and know exactly what I want to do with it and how to put the meal together.


There are other times when I come across a recipe that beckons me, one that I need to make as soon as possible.


Then there are those days where I have no idea what to cook and I end up falling back on old standbys.

This is one of those dishes.

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