Tag Archives: summer

October 18, 2012 · 10:22 am

Zucchini Carpaccio

I know, I know. Two zucchini posts in a row. But this carpaccio is so simple and delicious that I had to post it for you all. There might still be some zucchini left at the farmer’s markets, even though it’s now been pretty much taken over by apples and squash. I made this for a quick and easy lunch last weekend, but it would also make an excellent first course for a dinner party. Be sure to use a mandolin (if you have one) to make the slices of zucchini as thin as possible; otherwise, use a very sharp knife so that they are almost transparent. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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October 5, 2012 · 10:05 am

Ricotta and Roasted Cherry Tomato Crostini

You know, I was finally ready to accept the fact that summer was over. Ready to embrace apples, crisp fall nights, colored leaves. And then of course, New York goes and throws a slew of 80 degree days at us, and I’m back to wearing shorts and eating the last of the summer tomatoes before months of squash and root vegetables. Not that I don’t love squash — I’m just not quite ready to let go just yet. I made these crostini a few days ago as a quick lunch, and I love how the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes is balanced by just a dash of fleur de sel and the creamy ricotta. In fact, the cherry tomatoes I got from the farmer’s market were so sweet, I could have omitted the salt and drizzled a little bit of honey over them for another take on this easy appetizer.

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September 10, 2012 · 10:00 am

Peach Buttermilk Cake

Even though it’s after Labor Day, I’m not quite ready to let go of summer. Though I love fall, and the thought of wearing boots and scarves again sends a little thrill up my spine, I’m still holding on to peaches, berries, and eating outside for as long as I can. I know that soon, the farmer’s market will be filled with apples and squash for months, so I’m happy to enjoy the last summer fruit for as long as I can. This cake could also be made with plums or any kind of berries (as Deb does on Smitten Kicthen) — I think that the buttermilk and lemon zest pair wonderfully with them all. Continue reading →

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September 5, 2012 · 8:41 am

Tomato-Feta Open-Faced Sandwiches

To me, the end of summer means lazy afternoons spent in the park, swimming, candlelit dinners al fresco, and more than anything — tomatoes. Or at least, the first three are what I dream during the summer (mostly I’ve been in an air-conditioned office and sweating on the subway). But tomatoes, those I can have. My mom made these simple sandwiches for me when I was home a few weeks ago (why is everything always better when Mom makes it?) with tomatoes from their garden, and I couldn’t resist re-creating it once I got back to the city — especially since she sent a few of those tomatoes back with me as well. This makes an excellent appetizer or a simple lunch — but be careful, you’ll eat a whole baguette before you know it.
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August 17, 2012 · 9:30 am

Savory Corn Waffles

As you can probably tell, I’m a little corn obsessed during the summer. Unfortunately for me, the Midwest is still by far the best place for fresh corn, but the East Coast has put up a pretty good effort over the last couple of months. I’m not even going to bother putting up a recipe for these waffles , since they are extremely similar to these – with the addition of two cups of fresh corn, and the fact that by now I have a little more experience with my camera than previously. I served these for a leisurely breakfast with slices of avocado and fried eggs (mimosas optional), but I think they would also be good with a little ricotta spread over the top.

I love how the fresh corn pops in your mouth and adds such great texture to the waffles. Enjoy!

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August 5, 2012 · 11:07 am

Arugula Salad with Maple-Balsamic Figs

Someday, I’m going to have an orchard. Having grown up in Minnesota, where there are only apples, and now living in New York, where there is clearly not enough space on my fire escape even for tomato plants, my dream of an orchard will still be just that: a dream. But someday, I’ll have avocados, lemons, peaches, and especially figs. Figs are only available for a couple of short months at the end of summer here, which means that I buy them whenever I can find some. I stumbled upon these beauties at the fruit stand outside my office, and immediately brought them home to figure out what to do with them. Of course, I love figs with just a bit of honey and Greek yogurt for breakfast, but this salad has definitely become one of my favorite summer meals. And on top of that, it’s impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

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July 26, 2012 · 9:47 am

Tomato-Basil Bruschetta

I think that this dish, to me, means that summer is really and truly here (as if I couldn’t tell by the waves of 95 degree days). Since there are only five ingredients, be sure to use the best tomatoes you can find (or grow). My parents make this pretty much every weekend during the summer — but since I couldn’t be at home sitting on the porch, I made it for myself as a quick lunch last weekend. The recipe can be amended depending on how many people you are feeding, and also makes an excellent appetizer for an easy dinner al fresco. Just serve with a chilled rosé and imagine you are sitting on a terrace somewhere in Italy.

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July 23, 2012 · 9:41 am

Stone Fruit Cobbler

During the winter, I live for summer days when I can walk over to the farmer’s market and pick up a bag of peaches. They are by far my favorite fruit, and though I think the best way to eat them is raw, I always need to make cobbler at least once per summer. Deceptively simple, you can use any combination of stone fruit and the results will be just as excellent. I had some peaches, nectarines, plums, and sour cherries lying around, so that’s what I used — but only peaches is wonderful too. Enjoy with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Continue reading →

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July 19, 2012 · 10:48 am

Arugula Salad with a Fried Egg

At some point, these 98 degree days have to end. Of course, I will be missing them in winter, but for the moment I am running out of sundresses to wear. Dinner has become whatever I can throw together in a few minutes, preferably with little to no cooking time. This salad comes together quickly, and can easily become a main course with the addition of sliced ham, avocado, and a fried egg — which makes everything better, clearly. I love the contrast of the crisp, peppery arugula with creamy avocado and the tart vinaigrette. You can also poach the eggs for a slightly healthier version of this salad. Continue reading →

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July 7, 2012 · 1:07 pm

Corn and Tomato Salad

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After a lovely and relaxing few days spent on the North Fork of Long Island, I was lucky enough to return to temperatures topping 100 degrees back in Brooklyn. So much for escaping the heat — and as someone without air conditioning, I’m sitting right in front of my fan while writing this, and will likely take my second shower of the day when I finish this post. Ah well. This salad just happens to be perfect for days like today, with minimal cooking times and quick assembly.

 

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