Vegetable Summer Rolls...

The Challenge: Make something fun with Napa Cabbage!...The Outcome: One of the prettiest things I think I've ever made!! These Summer Rolls were so pretty and colorful and fabulous to eat on a hot day.

 

Though the technique took some practice, they really were simple to make! I felt so fancy too! I've never made anything like this before, and I'm going to let you in on a little secret! The rice wrappers that you need to make these are in the Asian foods aisle of the grocery store. That took me a while! Also, parchment paper works better than paper towels, and I substituted chili sauce for tomato paste for a sweeter flavor! If you tackle these and they don't roll up nicely on your first try, Don't give up!!! You can do it!! And if they don't look pretty, it doesn't matter! They're delicious anyways:-) Have fun!

Summer Mango Salsa...

Happy Summer everyone!! I hope your 4th of July was lazy and lovely like mine. I think the final grill-out count was 4 times for me! I love to grill...and eat outside....and drink yummy tea when it's hot out...and be lazy....all while surrounded by amazing people! This recipe is not made on the grill, but it's a great snack while you're waiting for your tasty burgers to get done!! This recipe is just a jumping off point. I think there is lots of room for improvisation! Like, next time I make it, I'm going to make it spicy by adding some hot peppers! But that's just me, I like spicy food. I hope you'll make it...and eat it...and love it....and then tell me what fabulous detours you took with the recipe!! Happy Summer to ya!

Mango Salsa

2 cups diced Roma Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups diced mango

1/2 cup diced Red Onion

1/2 cup chopped Fresh Cilantro

2 Tbls fresh lime juice

1 Tbls Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

Mix it all up and let it get acquainted in the fridge for an hour, and then make it disappear!

Black and Blue-Berry Cookies...

I'm not usually a baker, but extra special occasions call for extra special deserts! This was a fun, summer treat for a tradition some of my friends and I started about 3 years ago. We're all spread out across the state as growing up does to good friends, and we don't get to see each other often, but a good drive-in movie with a schmorgishboard of snacks will definitely do the trick!

 

 It's a cake-cookie with blueberries baked in and two different kinds of frosting! Joy the Baker thought this one up. Check out her recipe here.