Friday, July 31, 2009

Eat yer veggies!

It's not hard when they are as fresh as these!!! Check out your local Farmer's Market and veg out!!



Here is a super-easy refreshing summer salad to try...we love it! Take chunks of ripe tomatoes, slices of crunchy cucumber, chopped green onions and toss them with Balsamic vinegar, a bit of sea salt, and a generous sprinkle of dill weed (or fresh chopped baby dill, if you have it.).



Grilled summer squash is another tasty treat. Trim the ends of your squash and slice lengthwise approximately 1/2-inch thick. Brush lightly with olive oil. Grill about 5 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt and serve. Yum!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Summer Lovin'

Aren't summer fruits the best?! I think if I was only allowed one kind of food the rest of my life, this would be it! Our local Farmer's Market is in full bloom and is full of wonderful summer treats.

With record-high temperatures this month, baking was one of the last things I wanted to do. But how could I let the month go by without at least one really good Blueberry Crisp? I rediscovered my bread machine. What a great summer baking tool. Yes, you can bake in 107-degree weather!



Blueberry Crisp for the Bread Machine
- remove kneading paddle from pan
- add ingredients to bread pan in order listed.
  • 3-4 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
  • 2-3 Tbsp sugar, honey or agave nectar (according to taste)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon, or 1/2 tsp lemon rind (according to taste)
  • (optional) if berries are Very juice, sprinkle 1 Tbsp whole wheat flour over berries
In medium bowl, mix together:
  • 1/4 cup melted butter, coconut oil, or use canola oil
  • 1/2 cup sugar, honey or agave nectar
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Sprinkle oat mixture over berries. Place pan in machine and set to bake only following manufacturer's directions. (Mine baked about 90 minutes.) Let cool in pan. Serve warm or room-temperature. Really good with whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream!
  • Variation: Use any other summer fruits (alone or in combination). Blueberries and Nectarines are delicious together! Enjoy!