Summer's warm weather is inevitably an appealing part of my favorite season, but I also appreciate the light, colorful foods that accompany it. Despite some of the ridiculous prices, I can never resist the fresh seasonal fruits when grocery shopping. I'm not sure if I can even count the number of times so far this summer I've sliced whole watermelons and pineapples, so juicy and perfectly ripe. Lush strawberries and raspberries have also been constants in the refrigerator and I'm eager for plump, locally grown blueberries to be ready to be picked.
Dinners never fail to disappoint either. A spinach salad topped with sweet corn, roasted red peppers, and asparagus, or chopped green apple, dried cranberries, and cheddar is light but oh so satisfying. Another featuring basil and tomato is more than welcome on warm evenings, the natural flavors playing off each other. This combination is simply one of my favorites whether served with pasta, rice, or orzo. Of course, anything on the grill is a summer staple - tender marinated chicken and steak tips with peppers, onions, summer squash, and zucchini - creating a vibrant palette and providing fresh flavor. And to think I have the next couple months to enjoy these scrumptious foods...so many possibilities to explore!
