The Naptime Chef

Now that I am back in my summer rhubarb routine I am trying to come with a few new recipes to fold into my tried and true. This is one I spotted on Epicurious a while ago and have finally (finally!) gotten the chance to try. My strawberry plants are still ripening so I made these with berries from the store. (The cool spring weather means our strawberry season is way behind.)  It was super easy and was beyond delicious. It tasted like strawberry-rhubarb pie in a glass  – sweet and refreshing. I added some sparkling water to dilute it a bit and add some effervescence, but you can do what you want. Here is the recipe for your new favorites summer drink.

Working with Arla Dofino has given me the best education on cheese. I’ve always loved (LOVED!) cheese and done my best to buy only the highest quality cheese I can afford for my friends and family. Naturally, this means avoiding processed cheeses since they are known for not being as healthy. However, up until now I didn’t really know why processed cheese wasn’t so good for me.

Many moms, like myself, are choosy about the milk they give their families, but I find it surprising that not as many are concerned about the cheese they serve. It makes sense that we should be aware of what’s in the cheeses just as much as the milk we are putting on the table.

Arla Dofino is one of our favorite household cheeses now because their cheeses are made with a few, natural ingredients, and taste great because of their attention to quality. But what does this all mean, exactly? Here is the skinny:

I am not a grilling maniac, but I like to fire up the coals and cook on them while the weather is good. I have a roster of tried-and-true grilling recipes I return to year after year the second the thermometer takes a turn for the better. One of them in chicken kebabs. There is no hard and fast way to make a chicken kebab. In fact, I’d say I barely use a recipe. Instead I use this simple formula and they turn out great every time!:

Yup, here I am to beat you over the head with a few new rhubarb recipes this spring. You didn’t think I’d let the whole season pass us by without at least one or two new ones, did you? Silly people. It is my Favorite with a capital “F”! I even planted two rhubarb roots in my new garden with the hopes I’ll be harvesting my own homegrown rhubarb pretty soon. Until then, there is still plenty at the market. This recipes fits neatly into the category of recipes you’d make for Memorial Day or to serve to summer house guests. Or, if you are like me, you will just make it for no special reason whatsoever. Anything with rhubarb needs to be made and enjoyed any/every day of the week. Right? Right.

Last week I received a big box from Blue Apron, the online meal delivery service that sends recipes with pre-measured ingredients for three delicious dinners straight to your doorstep. Even though I do most of my own cooking from scratch, I was excited to try a service that promised to breathe new life into my weekly repertoire. Lately I’ve been in need of fresh inspiration for the new season so this was the perfect time to give it a whirl.

Last month my friend Barbara introduced me to a new book, The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes, and the authors Suzanne Pollak and Lee Manigault. It is undoubtedly the whittiest, most fun, informative, and inventive cookbook I’ve read in a long time. Chock full of southern charm, Suzanne and Lee manage to get right down to the brass tacks of eating, entertaining, and house-keeping without seeming overbearing or bossy. To cap it off, instead of photographs the book is dotted with cheeky illustrations reminiscent of New York cartoons.

My personal favorite part of the book are the observations on entertaining which ring 100% true. Here are a few of my favorites:

Every so often I love sharing a list of favorites I’ve been enjoying lately around the web. I’d love to be as organized as Joanna and share it every Friday but alas, those little kidlets seem to get in the way! Here are some of my newest obsessions from around the web and in stores lately if you’d like to see:

Lizzie’s new shirt for Tradlands has become my spring uniform. I think I might have to treat myself to the white one soon.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Tenders for the whole family.

Phoebe’s new Wellness Wednesday hangouts are genius.

Molly’s new book is out! I am halfway through it.

I need to get better at instagram like Aimee.

Oh, to live on a farm in England is one my bucket list.

Obsessed.

The best breezy beach cover-up for summer.

Also, stay tuned for exciting announcements about the next book soon! xo