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Happy Weekend!
The unofficial start of summer has arrived! School’s out for summer! (any of you hearing that tune from Alice Cooper 1972? Oh my, he was so scary looking. I date myself.)
Summer is my most favorite time of year for all the sunshine and the fresh food from farmer’s markets. YUM. And let’s not forget all the outdoor cooking and grilling recipes.
I hope you had a great long Memorial Day weekend. If you served our country, thank you so much for your service. ♥️🇺🇸
In case you missed it, here are a few of our favorite patriotic recipes (bookmark these for the 4th of July):
- Red, White and Blue Salad
- Watermelon salad
- Patriotic Parfaits
- Breakfast Banana Splits (sub out the black berries for blue berries)
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Blueberry Lemonade
New Recipes
About a year ago I learned how to make sourdough bread. In my endeavors I find myself with some discard. There are 2 things we LOVE to make with discard. One is this delicious banana bread, featuring a caramel icing– yum yum yum! The other is a discard waffle recipe. I’ll make several batches to put in the freezer and then we treat them like toaster waffles.
Sourdough Banana Bread
The sourdough’s slightly tangy flavor complements the sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully! Plus, this delicious bread recipe is topped off with a sweet and rich caramel icing– so good!
It’s Grilling Season
I love grilling because it’s just so quick and easy. You can take 10 minutes to prepare a marinade in the morning, let it soak throughout the day, and have an amazingly flavorful meal with little effort. Sign me up! Less kitchen time, more pool time.
Savory Chicken Marinade
Power packed with savory flavor. You’ll want to reserve some of the marinade and dip all the things in it.
Try some of our favorite
Grilling Recipes
In Real Life
For the first time in 20 years, I did not attend our local Memorial Day parade. It was 50° and drizzly. Instead I stayed home and finished my book while the rest of my family braved it. I did however go to another parade that my daughter walked in on behalf of Chick Fil A. I had my winter coat on and a blanket. What we won’t do for the kids! 🤣
My highlight of the week was seeing Wicked. Such a fantastic show!
With summer here and school out, I’m adjusting to what that schedule will look like. It looks a little different each year as the kids get older. I plan to work less and read more. #goals! Spend time doing summer things with the kids that are at home. My son is in a 12 month program, so I’ll look forward to his visits.
Favorite Things
Here’s some fun finds and things I find useful in and out of the kitchen.
- Since sourdough baking has been in my life, I can’t live without a kitchen scale.
- We’ve had a Soda Stream Maker for the last few years and if you like bubbly water, it’s a must have!
- If you have a Blackstone or griddle, these little disposable grease cup liners are great.
- Summer fun right here– make your own snow cones. We had one of these when the kids were younger and they always had so much fun with it.
- If you’re always wondering– is my meat cooked enough? You’ll love the Thermapen thermometer by ThermoWorks. It gives instant results! It is pricey, but completely worth it. I’ve almost burned my hand holding one over a hot grill or oven because they take longer to read, but this one is so quick.
- I came across these cute jars with lids. They look perfect for overnight oats.
- These super soft make up remover cloths are the best! Super affordable and they work! Takes off all your make up with just water. You can also use your cleanser, and use it like a wash cloth. Either way, your face with thank you.
- I’m loving these athletic skirts for my pickleball games.
What I’m reading/listening/watching
I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah. This is our book club pick and I’m so looking forward to our discussion! I’ll tell you all about it next month.
I just started The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
I haven’t been listing to many podcasts at the moment. My son does one with his best bud and it’s called the Manwagon. I always stay up to date on that one. If you want to be entertained by a couple college guys, check it out.
Have you seen Abbot Elementary? I’m loving this one. I’m not sure if Virgin River or Sweet Magnolias is going to continue with new seasons, but those are still favorites of mine. I also started watching My Life with the Walter Boys with my daughter. We are enjoying it. The mom is Donna from Suits, fun to see her in a very different role.
I’d love to hear what’s on your read, listen and watch lists. Leave a comment or send me an email!
Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!
Chellie
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