Now that we are hurtling through to the end of the season, I’m loathed to see it go because this is one of the best summers I’ve had in a long time possibly since the pandemic and it did not involve getting on a plane. Now, whilst to see me chatting on social media is to think I’m a wild summer child; I typically don’t care one way or another as long as the sun is shining and Mother Nature is doing what she ought to do in the season. Mother Nature? I’m a big fan of her getting to live as she ought to and for the summer, I simply want her to shine bright. Give us warm days and short nights. Barbecues in the garden and rosé for days.
This summer has just been that, and then some, so here’s some of what I’ve loved so far.
Pies: baking is my happy place, and I am forever on the hunt for a perfect blueberry pie. I don’t much like blueberries, but I love what they do trapped between layers of dough so this season I’ve been perfecting my lattice dough and playing with flavours. I’m cackhanded so the lattice will take a bit of practice but so far, the flavours are working.
Pecan pie I am forever obsessed with a pecan pie, and I love it so. Yes, it’s a winter staple, what with thanksgiving and what not, but a pie ought to be for life. I’m the kind of person who has spreads in her pantry and pecans!! I have so many bags of pecans and no idea why or how I acquired them. Flavour wise, I’m there. Crust wise, so there. Knowing when the pecan pie is done, you know that jiggle test… nearly there.
Strawberries are a summer mainstay for me, whilst I bulk at having them in dessert, strawberries are just too wet by nature to mesh well therefore if not eaten immediately, it simply is a wet rag in dough. But strawberries in summer will always be right up there.
Garden hangs: I get to spend more time with my nephews in the back garden and its pure bliss. I love hearing and seeing neighbours do just the same, something about the community of this simple act, especially in the summer warms my heart.
Barbecue: the above is always precipitated by the summer barbecue and to watch my brother-in-law whip up a barbecue is all summer goodness.
This summer, besides being good, has been one that made me more cognisant of life’s good fortunes and the glory of God so whenever we can get together and do these things, I don’t take these moments for granted.
Cosy murders: and coming right on the heel of that sentimental bit is the macabre. I recently discovered the Madame Blanc mysteries on Netflix, and this is the perfect cosy crime series ever. A woman heads to the middle of France following her husband’s death only to find out that not all is as it seems; he’s been married to another woman whilst also being married to her. Her living in Manchester and him going back and forth to Saint Victoire, the charming little town, was a convenient situation for him to carry on as he was. She’s got an eye for art and antiques and a brain for solving murders. Si parfait.
Thrillers and Second chances: two books that I was most looking forward two have been released and I’m all agog. Stacey Abrams Coded Justice and Regina Black’s August Lane. Both utter perfection. Reviews soon come.
Mondays at the museum: on occasion I’ve taken a Monday or two off and popped into a museum to see an exhibition and I love it so much. Mondays are not my jam you see, I don’t like them nor am I a morning person; so I’ve taken to switching things up taking the random Monday off work to see an exhibition or watch a movie and so far, it’s working for my sanity.
Summer dresses: this summer I set out to wear only summer dresses and so far, it’s mostly been possibly. I hate to be that person that plans for next summer when this summer is yet dead. Last summer I looked in my wardrobe and saw that I hadn’t even worn half of my summer dresses this summer I decided that needed to change. So far so good.
Girl dinners: the art of whipping up something quick and easy has long been a dream of mine to stop ordering my favourite cheap Chinese, look into my pantry and cook something for one. So far so good. The menu options may be mostly pasta and spaghetti, but I’m loving it. See this golden spaghetti recipe for evidence. Perfection.
The Summer Café: I loved hosting this so much I’m rolling it back as a seasonal. What is the summer café you ask? I went on a baking spree and gathered my nieces and nephews and friends for pastries at home all baked by me. And some mimosas for adults too. And a summer cake. The best cake I’ve ever baked. And it was perfection. The whole day. Sharing the recipes on Substack; it’s free to subscribe and read.
Slow mornings: I’ve loved waking up with the sun; slow and lazy. As an insomniac my sleep pattern is off in the summer but lying in bed and watching the sun dance against my wall as she rises is something I can never take for granted in the summer. It’s the silver lining.
Cheers to our summers!