Bacon, Chickpea, Avocado Salad

In the summer, I crave ice cream.  When I'm not craving ice cream, I love a good glass of sauvignon blanc.  But if ice cream and white wine aren't available, there's not much better than fresh food that is easy to throw together.  This quick salad is a great side dish, but also works well for meal for two.

You will need:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 small, vine ripened tomatoes, chopped
• 1 avocado, chopped
• 4 sliced of bacon, crisped and chopped
• 2 teaspoons champagne vinaigrette
• 4 teaspoons olive oil

Combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, avocado, and bacon in a medium bowl.  Whisk together the oil and vinegar.  Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently.  You can eat this right away or put it in the fridge for a few hours.  The avocado will stay green for a bit thanks to the acid in both the tomatoes and the vinegar.

It is so fresh and tasty! (and so simple!)

DIY Summer Citrus Pom Pom Tote

I'm a sucker for a tote bag, especially in the summer.  During the school year, I tend to stick with a smaller purse, using a canvas tote for my lunch and stacks of grading.  During the summer, though, I love to just have a big ol' tote bag to throw any and everything into.  Adding a row of pom poms and some felt fruit helps this tote feel especially beachy.

You will need:

• Plain canvas tote
• Felt: one yellow and one orange sheet
• Embroidery floss in contrasting colors
• Pom pom trim

Use embroidery floss to tack a strip of pom pom trim around the top of the canvas.  Cut a semicircle and three wedges of each color of felt.  Sew these pieces onto the bag, using a contrasting piece of embroidery floss.  It's as easy as that!

I'm excited to take this to the beach or the boat this summer.  Where would you take this fun summer tote?

Grilled Peach Caprese Pizza

Nothing says summer more than grilling.  Nothing, that is, except maybe peaches.  So why not combine the two into one delicious dish?  I love how the sweet and juicy peaches blended with the acidity of the tomatoes.  This was balanced by the smooth, creamy mozzarella and the fresh taste of basil to make one amazingly summery pizza.

To make your own, you will need:

• My quick and easy pizza crust recipe
• 1 ripe peach, sliced thin
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced thin
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
• Several leaves of fresh basil

Make the crust according to the directions.  Grill on a lightly oiled piece of tin foil for five minutes.  Flip the crust over onto another lightly oiled tin foil and add your toppings.  Grill for another 3-4 minutes, then place on a pan and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing, serving, and enjoying!

What are some of your favorite summer foods?

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

I've got a delicious Granny recipe to share with you all today, only it's not technically a Granny recipe.  It came from Granny's recipe box, but the recipe itself is from Marie Sipe.  So, thank you to Marie for this delightfully simple to make jam recipe.

You will need:

• 5 cups chopped rhubarb
• 4 cups sugar
• 3 ounce box of strawberry Jello

Combine the rhubarb and the sugar in a large bowl and allow to sit in the fridge overnight.  The rhubarb will release some of its water during this time.

The next day, pour the sugar and rhubarb into a pot and heat until  the rhubarb begins to get tender.  Stir in the jello, pour into jars, and seal them up!

It's really as simple as that- and oh, so yummy!

Vodka Basil Gimlet

I love this time of year!  The weather is warmer, the breezes are beautiful, the trees are leafing out... It's perfect for a cocktail on the patio.  I am loving this drink right now.  The tart lime along with the fresh basil is a perfect compliment to some stoop sitting.

To make your own, you will need:

• 1 1/2 parts vodka
• 1 part Rose's lime juice
• 2-3 basil leaves per drink

Simply muddle one or two basil leaves at the bottom of a glass.  Top with ice, vodka, and lime juice.  Stir gently and garnish with a fresh leaf of basil.

What is your go-to summer drink?