Summer Love

8 months into the year and I’m finally feeling like I’m tackling all those goals I set out for 2015. Climb Mt St Helens? Check! It took us 8.5 hours but we did it. Learn how to sharpen my own knives? After a great class at Portland Knife House and finally trying it on my own knives, I think I had some success. My knives are now feeling loved. Balance? Ok, that still needs some work on occasion. But I am making more of an effort of not having an agenda, so I can cook, read, and especially this summer, have a casual evening at home. Sometimes the simple things are just the best.

With that in mind the other night, after a super successful trip to the Hollywood Farmer’s Market, Brice and I enjoyed a great dinner on our patio. As it featured nearly all of my favorite things, I thought it was worth a share.

Farmer’s Market Caprese Salad – I was inspired by this killer salad I got at Oso Market (one of my other favorites) that mixed tomatoes and peaches. I’m obsessed with eating as much fruit as possible this time of year and this is just the way to do it.

2 peaches from Maryhill Orchards + 2 heirloom tomatoes + Fresh basil + Balsamic vinegar glaze + Jacobsen salt = what salad dreams are made of.

Fruit & Herb Infused Water – I am a big-time water drinker. Other than iced tea (and boozey drinks, ha!), I only drink water. But sometimes you need to jazz up the plain H2O somehow and this infusion pitcher from Sur la Table is seriously a life changer in that regard. Thanks Mom for the impromptu present and to Meredith for the idea (yes she even has a blog post about it!). The night in question, I loaded it up with blackberries and basil. Yup.

King’s Hummus – Local tastes better. I’m convinced of it. And this Portland-based company makes freshly made hummus that is seriously way better. I’m usually a roasted garlic fan, but this time I went for the Lemon Hummus, which added a bit more zest to the party.

Food Should Taste Good Chips – I try to stay clear of chips or crackers in our house because we will chow down on them (we have no willpower). But I had a hankering for something crunchy. My go-to selection usually is the Sweet Potato and the Multigrain. I’m a big fan of how they are crisp, wholesome and not greasy. Flavorful without making you feel gross, even if you eat an entire large bag yourself (which yes, we ate two…). And perfect dipping utensil for the hummus or salsa!

All this, plus the gorgeous sunset over the Willamette? That is what summers are made of.

For the rest of the year, I have the goals of more Farmer’s Market visits, cooking at home, low-key nights, and less time staring at my phone (easier said that done, right?).

What are your favorite things right now? What are your goals or to-do’s for rest of the year?

*Disclaimer: I know this probably sounds like an ad, but I just really like these products.