Hey Fam!

I’ve been in the kitchen a lot lately, but with no time to make all the “highly polished” content I’m famous for. So, at the urging of my friends many fans, I’m trying out some different kinds of posts. The idea of a mini-post* is in no way original, but lol, neither is a food blog. So let’s see what this post turns into and if it maybe generates something more regular on this now three-year old blog, shall we?

Last weekend I was in Chicago making homemade ranch dressing (Amiel at Bon Appetit/Basically read my mind) and chicken satay for a bridal shower to welcome my cousin’s wife to the family, followed immediately by a quick trip to San Francisco for business (I’m a grown up!). When I got home mid-week, I aggressively browned some spicy sesame chicken thighs that I’m still working my way through.

On Sunday, I raided the Stop and Shop in my hometown (or whatever it is) to gather poolside snacks while my pals grabbed ingredients for cucumber-mint spritzers – the perfect answer to the still blistering heat of September. Ugh!

Natalie, the mastermind behind this refreshing little ditty, and I went on a never-ending, kill-me-right-now, please-make-it-stop quick two-mile run to earn our afternoon treats. (This really has nothing to do with anything, I just needed to brag about my pathetic attempt at running.) As soon as we were back, Natalie splashed some drinks together while I unwrapped and happily plated some cheeses, meats, and chopped veggies, and we were in business.

For one Cucumber Mint Spritzer you’ll need:

Some cucumber slices

A lime wedge or two

A sprig or two of mint

1 oz. vodka

Prosecco/Cava/Sparkling wine

To make:

In the bottom of a glass, muddle the cucumber, mint, and lime. Pour in the vodka, add ice, and top with sparkling.

Sip on that as the weather permits, and while you do, I’m going to wrap this up by bringing you some highly original content** – what you’ll want to make to kick off this sweet, sweet fall season.

Wasabi Pea Snack Mix // Minestrone Soup // Maple Glazed Carrots

Spicy Tomato Soup with Blue Cheese // Homemade Pasta // Chicken Tikka Masala

Chickpeas, Chorizo, & Chèvre // Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower // Swedish Meatballs

And, as is now tradition, Apple Cider Doughnuts (another great sounding recipe from Bon Appetit here)

*Is this actually what I call a mini-post??

**JK, JK. Still being wholly unoriginal.