Steamed Artichokes

I remember eating Artichokes only once in my childhood (the whole steamed kind, not the jar kind, or artichoke hearts, or used as an ingredient, or anything else – but these whole, fresh artichokes where you peel off your leaves and just eat ’em). I may have eaten Whole Steamed Artichokes other times in my life but the one that sticks out to me is when I was in California with my Aunt & Uncle (who happens to be a talented Marble Artist in his free time). I remember how they told me to just basically scrape the fresh tasty green leaves with my teeth to get the goodness out of them.

Recently, Artichokes were on sale

Peach Salsa

Two of of my favorite things about Summer are all of the Fresh Flavors and eating Warm-From-the-Sun Fresh-Picked-Fruit. This Peach Salsa gives you all of that fresh flavor of the fresh-picked fruit but in a dippable form! Last week I shared my Strawberry Salsa (and stay tuned for Pineapple Salsa) but this salsa here showcases another fruit – the peach! You can very easily enjoy this peach salsa with some tortilla chips or if you ease up on the suggested amount of ‘spice/kick’ in the recipe below then you end up with more of a sweet salsa perfect for with those cinnamon chips.

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No matter how you enjoy your fruit (and the fruits of your labors) this summer, do it deliciously.

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…SPEAKING OF DELICIOUSLY: I am currently entered in the “Live Deliciously” Contest that Cupcake Winery in running on Facebook. Remember a while back I made Red Wine Cupcakes?  Well, even if you don’t, please take a moment to head over to the contest and VOTE

Strawberry Salsa

~ Strawberry Salsa ~

good with tortilla chips or chocolate covered tortilla chips or graham crackers or  sweet chips or apple crisps or spoons

Last week I went Strawberry Picking (one of my favorite “school’s out for summer” activities). I picked about 12 pounds (and am thinking about going back this week for more) of berries. One of the things I knew I wanted to make was a fresh Summer Strawberry Salsa. There are many variations of Strawberry Salsa -varying from sweet to with a bite – I went somewhere in the middle (although the longer you let this sit, the more bite-ierr it gets, I preferred it fresh day #1)

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows – “Smore’s Pops”

We love S’mores around here! One of the great joys of the summer is relaxing around a campfire just hanging out with friends. While enjoying that fire – marshmallows toasted (or burnt) to perfection are just right! After enjoying that fire you come inside to head to bed and realize that you now smell like you’ve been camping all week.

Well -FEAR NO MORE… I have your Smoke-Free-S’mores here!

Black Bean Hummus

I. Love. Hummus.