1/ After blueberry picking and per the prompting of a friend I made these Paleo Blueberry Crumb Bars using a mix of local peaches and blueberries. Will make again. I like the addition of almond butter in the crust. Crumbs like this are quite versatile. I used butter instead of coconut oil, and quick oats instead of coconut flour. Be bold in experimenting. Note: the top didn’t crisp as I expected and I kept it in the oven longer - almost too long and the bottom scorched.
2/ I bottled kombucha this week flavored with local peaches. Local strawberries and peaches bring amazing flavor to kombucha — takes me back to my childhood, drinking Crush soda. Two of my family members, however, will forever be loyal to grape concentrate to flavor their kombucha.
3/ Tomatoes are appearing here in the south. Tomato Basil Oven Risotto is something I make even in winter but is better with summer cherry tomatoes and basil or pesto.
4/ Last year I wrote a recipe for Tomato Pesto Tart. Definitely compare to the Pioneer Woman’s - she’s better at writing recipes. They’re quite similar and very delicious.
Cooking Tip
Want to easily remove the skin from tomatoes or peaches? Place them in a heat safe dish* and pour boiling water over the top. Let them sit 10-30 seconds in the hot water and drain. I run cold water over next to quickly cool the fruit. The skin comes right off. This method is called blanching.
*like a metal or a Pyrex measuring cup. I don’t like pouring hot liquid in plastic. If the glass container isn’t heat safe, it will shatter with drastic temperature change. I know from experience.
Newsworthy
A high school friend worked at Subway and told me about his experiences. I’ve not been able to eat there since. The New York Times ran an article recently about a lawsuit over Subway sandwiches: are they really made with tuna?
My daughter went to art camp this week and made the cutest door hangers. Inspired, we made more after camp. The last step is to add polyurethane. As I read the instructions, the ALL CAPS jumped out at me:
Reading that made me mad. Lead has been banned from the use of paint but is still present in cosmetics. The paint industry has been regulated yet the personal care industry is not. Did you know: most lipsticks contain lead? As consumers, we must educate ourselves.
One reason I love Beautycounter is the Never List. It is a list of 1,800 harmful or questionable ingredients that will never be in their products. There’s currently a 20% off coupon code for first time clients: CLEANFORALL20. Lipstick is one easy switch to make to cleaner. Reach out and let me help you switch to safer skincare.
Will you make it to a farmers market this weekend? What are your favorite summer recipes? Please share!
Julie
Little Rock Saturday Markets
Ferndale Farmers Market 8am-? Facebook
Hillcrest 7-10am Facebook
Argenta 7:30-10:30am Facebook
Whitewater Tavern 11a-1pm Facebook
There’s a Peach Fest this Saturday at Faulkner Lake Orchard with vendors and pony rides for kids.
pick peaches at Faulkner Lake Orchard and berries at Wye Mountain.
let me know of other Saturday markets and I’ll share!