Summer's Long Departure

This is one of my favorite times of the year -- the days are getting shorter, but what we have of them bring sparkling-razor-focused sunshine. The haze is gone for a few weeks, and the weather gets a bit temperamental. Yesterday it was 75 degrees at 8pm; today, it's 67 at noon.

My favorite fruit in all the world (tomatoes) are at their apex, and some days warrant eating them out of hand. Other days, it seems cool enough to start canning and souping.

It's the last of the weekends at the lake, the last of the cookouts, the last of lazy mornings in the sun, reading a good book with a glass of iced tea. All these "lasts" remind me how lucky I am to live here, to BE here, and to have wonderful people (and dogs!) around me to share these moments with.

I've compiled a few of my favorite end-of-season recipes for you -- I know I'm looking forward to enjoying the last of the summer light streaming through my windows while I pull together these dishes.

Farmer's Market Penne
Chicken & Squash Risotto
Revelatory Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Bread Salad with Cannellini Beans

PS -- don't forget to come out tonight and celebrate the final days of summer in Old Oakland.

Tags: Food, Wine, Food & Drink, San Francisco, Oakland, French Bulldog, Lake Berryessa, Recipes

Comments

[Hannah]

The picture you've titled "sheer joy" is just that. I'm in the middle of writing papers for college and, honestly, that made my day. Thank you!

[Beth]

It's a shame to see such a miserable dog who is clearly beaten and abused.

[Melissa]

Oh my, there are not words for all that cuteness! I can't stop laughing and awww'ing at your sweet dogs. Kisses for the Frenchies!

[twito]

oh yum, i made the tomato soup (fresh tomatoes from the neighbors yard) and grilled cheese sandwiches tonight. i will be making it again. oh so very yummy. great recipe.