Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!!!

Today is brighter, warmer & fresher than recent days, with blooms budding and birds singing - all full of the promise of summer.

It sets me to thinking about fun warm-weather meals with lots of colourful local produce. 

-Picnics, both indoor & outdoor, here we come! 

In winter months I generally want to eat mid-european dishes – goulashes, potpies, bean dishes, perogies, spatzle and the like; soups such as lentil, borscht, golden squash, and split pea; as well as lots of warming side dishes involving chard, collards, leeks, beets, and roasted root vegetables. 

Now that it’s spring I’m returning to more of a Mediterranean food experience – many vegetables, wonderful, vivid green salads, bean salads, pasta dishes, falafels, hummus, veggie dips, and refreshing summer drinks – slushies, coolers, shandies, iced coffees and iced teas – as well as fresh fruit salads, granitas, and of course ice creams.  

These are early days for my blog, and in upcoming months I’ll be featuring more of these warm-weather dishes as well as segments devoted to: weekly menus, a vegetarian challenge, default dinners, and delicious healthy lunches.  Pictures will be posted, and reader input will be welcome.  Stay tuned!

Friday Nite Treat:

I call this The Swackertator for obvious reasons!

2 oz. Carolans liqueur (or Bailey’s)

1 oz. Brandy

4 oz. milk

1-2 ice cubes (optional)

Stir together and drink – does the job and tastes great!