Summer Recipes

I love seasonal summer foods! There is something about them that makes me want to gobble up as much of the goodness as I can while it last! Andy doesn't like to follow recipes, he's more of a real chef, but I'm happy to admit that I'm more of a recipe follower. Occasionally, when I'm sure of flavorful combinations, I'll venture out on my own, but for the most part I do as told!

One of our all time favorite recipe books is, Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson. I must admit that not every recipe in this book appeals to me, but at the same time everyone that I've tried has been an off the chart hit with us as well as who ever else has been served it!

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Here are some regulars in our house:

• Chocolate Raspberry Pavola - This is a super-easy, super-impressive meringue-like summer dessert. Depending on what's in season, we make it with raspberries, blackberries or even blue berries and there are NEVER any leftovers...enough said!
• Happiness (or "sunshine") Soup - The book calls this "happiness" soup, but i can't help but calling it sunshine soup due to its radiant color.  Its a great use for summer squash. I follow the recipe to a "t", but I do dial back the lemon juice so that its not too sour on the pallette. Its a very different, but very yummy soup!
• Thai Beef in Lettuce Wraps - These make for a great light summer supper.
• Rice Paper Rolls - These are another wonderful light summer treat packed with the refreshing flavors of mint and cucumber! (In Raleigh, I've found rice sheets at Total Oriental Foods near the Walmart on New Hope Church Road)

Bon Appetit!