“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August”

– Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Embracing the Golden Glow: A Summer of Culinary Delights, Cherished Memories, and Grand Adventures

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to softly whisper their arrival, we take a moment to reflect on a truly magnificent summer. It feels like just yesterday we were eagerly anticipating the warmth, the long days, and the endless possibilities that June brings. True to the spirit of Jenny Han’s words, this summer has indeed been a magical period, brimming with an abundance of flavors, heartwarming family moments, and exciting escapades. From the scorching sun-drenched days to the gentle evening breezes, every moment has been a testament to the season’s unique charm, reminding us why these months are so profoundly cherished.

Summertime often evokes images of relaxation, but for many, it’s also a season of vibrant activity and bustling schedules. This year was no exception. Yet, amidst the whirlwind, there’s always an underlying sense of joy and fulfillment that only summer can bring. We savored every bit of it – the glorious heat, the dry, clear skies, and the delicious bounty that graced our tables. This post is a heartfelt recap, a chance to share the highlights that made this summer an unforgettable chapter in our lives, from the fresh tastes that ignited our culinary creativity to the journeys that expanded our horizons and the precious moments spent with loved ones.

Summer’s Culinary Canvas: A Celebration of Fresh Flavors

One of the most profound joys of summer, especially for anyone passionate about food, is the incredible abundance of fresh produce. Before I embarked on this journey of food blogging, I don’t think I truly grasped the sheer generosity of summer’s harvest. The transition from one seasonal delight to another is a continuous source of inspiration. We start with the delicate sweetness of early summer berries, transitioning into the luscious succulence of stone fruits, and finally welcoming the earthy goodness of garden squash and ripe, juicy tomatoes. Each phase brings its own unique set of flavors and culinary opportunities.

This year, we were particularly fortunate to receive a veritable mountain of sun-ripened cherries and apricots, a generous gift from my wonderful in-laws. Their thoughtful gesture brought a burst of vibrant color and exquisite taste into our kitchen. Not long after, bags full of freshly picked saskatoons arrived, promising delightful pies and jams. My own garden also outdid itself, offering a bountiful supply of plump raspberries, nutrient-rich kale, and versatile zucchini. This consistent influx of fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed every meal into an exciting experiment and a celebration of nature’s offerings.

From Garden to Table: Crafting New Recipes and Flavors

With such an inspiring array of ingredients at hand, the kitchen became a vibrant hub of creativity. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of dreaming up new recipes and fearlessly experimenting with diverse flavor profiles. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in taking raw, fresh produce and transforming it into something both delicious and visually appealing. While I managed to explore many culinary ideas, the season, as always, flew by too quickly, leaving a treasure trove of inspiration for next year. Perhaps I’ll even brave blogging about watermelon in November if the cravings strike!

Among the many dishes that emerged from this summer’s kitchen adventures, several stand out as true favorites. My Saskatoon-Cherry Galette, with its rustic charm and perfect balance of sweet and tart, quickly became a family staple. The Thai Zucchini Boats offered a delightful blend of fresh garden zucchini with aromatic, spicy notes, making for a light yet satisfying meal. For dessert, the No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Tart was an absolute revelation, a rich and decadent treat that required minimal effort. And, of course, no summer is truly complete without homemade ice cream. If you haven’t yet tried the no-churn method, I urge you to give it a go. It’s incredibly simple, yields wonderfully creamy results, and has completely revolutionized my approach to homemade frozen desserts!

Adventures Under the Sun: A Summer of Milestones and Memories

Beyond the delicious food, this summer was a tapestry woven with life’s rich experiences – a blend of exhilarating highs, reflective lows, spontaneous adventures, hearty laughter, and even a few tears. Life, as it often does, threw in an occasional curveball, but it also offered countless moments of profound joy and connection.

Family Celebrations and Joyous Milestones

Our summer began with a flurry of birthday celebrations for both of our boys. Watching them grow and reach new milestones is truly one of life’s greatest blessings. Our youngest, Mr. Wally, celebrated his very first birthday, a monumental occasion filled with wonder and delight. Just last week, our spirited Oscar turned three, a testament to how quickly time flies when you’re raising little ones. While my attempt at a firetruck cake for Oscar might have leaned more towards pink than fiery red, the effort and love behind it were certainly appreciated! It’s a reminder that not every culinary creation needs to be blog-ready to be perfect in the eyes of a three-year-old.

Global Journeys and Local Escapades

One of the most memorable chapters of our summer was an incredible trip across the Atlantic. At the end of June, Etienne had the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam for work. A few days later, I flew out to meet him in sunny Portugal, where we embarked on a week-long adventure that felt like a dream. Exploring the picturesque landscapes, indulging in delicious sangria, lounging on stunning beaches, and savoring the most wonderful fresh seafood – every moment was an experience to cherish. Portugal truly offered us the time of our lives, creating memories that we’ll recount for years to come. If you’re curious to delve deeper into our journey, you might enjoy reading about our Portuguese escapade on the blog!

While Portugal was our grandest adventure, we also embraced the charm of several smaller road trips closer to home. I took the boys on a memorable trip to Kimberly by myself, spending quality time with friends. During that journey, I quickly rediscovered the profound value of an out-of-tune radio – it’s an unexpectedly effective tool for maintaining sanity when little ones start complaining! Sometimes, a little static is all it takes. We also enjoyed a delightful visit to my sister’s acreage a couple of months ago. Oscar had an absolute blast, romping around with his cousins, bouncing on their trampoline, and joyfully riding in his Uncle’s golf cart, exploring the sprawling property. These smaller trips, though less exotic, were equally rich in laughter and bonding.

Celebrations, Celebrities, and Cinematic Obsessions

If you’ve been following along, you’ll also know that this summer was marked by the beautiful union of some dear friends. The wedding was a truly joyous occasion. I relished the solemnity of the nuptials, the exquisite Crave Cupcakes that graced the dessert table, and the heartfelt speeches that brought both laughter and tears. However, what truly elevated the experience was the wonderful company. And yes, among the cherished guests was a minor celebrity, Alexander Ludwig – a definite highlight of the weekend for me, adding an unexpected touch of Hollywood glamour to an already perfect celebration!

On the topic of Hollywood and captivating narratives, the epic saga of Game of Thrones was another major highlight of my summer. Every Sunday night became an eagerly anticipated event, filled with spirited discussions, fervent theorizing, and breathless speculation about what would happen next in Westeros. As the season finale approached, there was a bittersweet feeling, a mix of excitement and a touch of sadness that such a thrilling journey was drawing to a close. Being part of the global craze, sharing in the collective anticipation and analysis, added another layer of enjoyment to the season.

A Special Family Visitor and Dreams of Distant Lands

Just this week, we were incredibly thrilled to welcome Etienne’s Grandma, who made the incredibly long journey all the way from South Africa. Her arrival was a testament to family bonds, and we are so grateful that she undertook such a significant trip to be with us. This visit naturally sparked conversations and rekindled our desire to return to South Africa with the boys one day. We envision a trip when they are a little older, old enough to fully appreciate and immerse themselves in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife that the country offers. For anyone seeking a truly unforgettable destination, South Africa is nothing short of amazing. It boasts some of the finest food we’ve ever tasted, coupled with an astonishing array of sights and experiences. It’s truly a beautiful country!

No big deal, that’s just me, walking an elephant (and 6 months pregnant), during a previous unforgettable journey to South Africa.

Bidding Farewell to Summer: A Heartfelt Reflection

As much as we try to hold onto every precious moment, the summer of 2017 is gracefully drawing to a close. For me, summer has always been synonymous with the creation of the most cherished and vivid memories. It’s a season that invites spontaneity, fosters connection, and fills our days with light and warmth. This year, we were truly blessed with wonderfully hot weather, allowing us to fully embrace and thoroughly enjoy everything that summer has to offer.

From cozy backyard fires under starry skies to invigorating hikes along scenic trails, refreshing splashes at water parks, and relaxing days spent on sun-drenched beaches – summer, you have been absolutely magnificent. The memories made, the flavors savored, and the adventures embarked upon will stay with us long after the leaves begin to turn. While there’s a touch of wistfulness in saying goodbye, there’s also an exciting anticipation for what comes next. So, with a grateful heart, we bid farewell to this incredible season and eagerly exclaim: now bring on the pumpkin! We are ready to welcome the cozy comforts and autumnal delights of fall.

XOXO

Katherine