25 things

The reason I moved is this: Exactly a month ago, I parted ways with my now ex-boyfriend. It was finally time to accept that we did not bring out the best in each other and move on. I walked out of that life right into a summer as a single lady filled with fun things and happiness. I so appreciate the dear friends who helped make that possible, including the support of many of you reading this now. With this new beginning, comes the chance to take...

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Almond Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

My blueberry lavender ice cream was good, but a bit too novelty for my taste. My favorite ice creams have lots and lots of chocolate chips or other fillings with a contrasting crunch. I thought about making mint chocolate chip with fresh mint from a recently purchased herb plant, but read that mint extract is what's actually needed to achieve the traditional mint chip flavor. Lacking in mint extract, I realized I did have almond extract hanging...

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Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes and Okra

Unfortunately, I was unable to rehome my tomato plants when I moved, because I had let them grow too tall and spindly, making them cumbersome to transport. These three cherry tomato plants had thus far only produced a few ripe red fruits; given another two or three weeks they would yield a bountiful supply of tomatoes, but under the circumstances, I made the best of it and picked off all the little green tomatoes. When life gives you lemons, you...

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Scallops over Summer Vegetable Couscous

While staying with friends last week, I wanted to extend my thanks by cooking them dinner. I decided on an easy summer meal of quickly-cooked scallops over a couscous salad featuring tomatoes, corn, peppers, and basil. This is a relatively sweat-free dinner, as scallops only take a few minutes to cook on each side in olive oil in a hot pan, until lightly browned. And couscous! It's so amazingly speedy that I don't know why I ignored it all these...

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July Farmers Market Hauls and Heirlooms

July is the delicious month when all the summer bounty appears at New York farmers markets. I missed a few markets this month due to camping trips and moving apartments, but let's reminisce on how happy I was to see tomatoes, corn, and peppers!July 17: Bluberries, raspberries, baby-sized carrots, and Cato Corner Bloomsday Cheese (their sharpest and nuttiest cheese, my personal favorite) for a picnic on Governor's Island. First peppers and eggplant...

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