End of Summer Recipes:

(Baked Mini-Donuts, perfect for avoiding my local Ferrell's donut shop.)

      Yesterday it rained in Santa Cruz (and it may have rained in the back of my eyes a little bit too). I don't want Summer to end because it is my favorite season full of sun, home grown produce, and delicious outdoor meals. Despite the drizzle last night, I couldn't help but fire up the grill with my boyfriend and fully enjoy what may have been one of the last backyard meals of the season. I plucked a few ripe tomatoes from the vines in the garden and made a quick spicy bruschetta (tomatoes, red onion, garlic, jalapeno peppers, salt, pepper, olive oil, juice of a lemon, and a lime), sliced up some rosemary bread to toast on the grill, and cooked up some chicken seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. The Summer sun may be fading, but my desire to enjoy every last moment of it never will! I'm also really hoping that each one of you can find the time to enjoy an outdoor meal before it's too late! Here are some of my favorite Summer recipes for some extra inspiration:

(Citrus Salad, perhaps my most favorite summer salad ever.)

(Strawberry Sangria)

(Spicy Bacon & Egg Pizza, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!)

(Strawberry, Lime, & Mint Sorbet, This recipe is featured thru Minted Magazine)

(Homemade Mac & Cheese, also featured in Minted Magazine)

(Blueberry Lemonade, a new spin on a classic favorite!)

 Yours,
Nico