…the story of our summer harvest table… As the spinach grew and grew, draping along garden the path, I envisioned it draping around candlesticks… as baskets filled with vibrant red, orange and yellow tomatoes, and the green cucumbers and beans spilled onto the hands that harvested them… as the physalis and grapes burst with the…
A Dinner Party Inspired by Portugal’s Festive Month of June
They say it’s Sardine summer, and well, that gives me a chuckle. If Portuguese, then sardine summer is every year, it’s our way of life. We’re born with the notion that summers revolve around grilled sardines. And come June the air is perfumed with the land and sea. The scents of grilled sardines, peppers and…
Floral Inspiration :: A Lush Mix of Pretty Yellows & Pastel June Blooms
oh, how fleeting you always are sweet, darling June … It seems we’re all being kept too busy these days, and June, the one month I have a softer place in my heart for — and perhaps it is because I celebrate another dance around the sun a few days into the month — but…
My Favorite Tomato Sauce Perfect for Any Recipe
Don’t ask me to choose a favorite vegetable, especially if it’s one homegrown with love — but if I must, it is quite easily the tomato. Lovingly ripened, sweet and plump with juicy goodness. And there is is no judgment on the variety, I love them all! I love a Kumato Brown, Golden Jubilee yellow,…
A Berry Sour Cream Custard Pie with Phyllo Crust
Pie is most certainly my favorite thing to make. Often on afternoon making pie dough, getting my fingers into the cold butter and flour, it’s like a beautiful mental trip or therapy session. It soothes the soul. Can I say that’s really the secret to any yummy flaky pie dough. And when it comes to…
Watermelon, Peach + Tomato Caprese Salad … the only meal you’ll want this Summer!
It’s the peak of summertime, the heat lingering day after day, that soothing ultra-relaxed “let’s kick back”, celebrate this slowness — live it slowly and fully like Mother Nature intends….the kind of days I live for. In the truth it’s the mentality and lifestyle I wish everyday of the year was more like. More laidback….
Summer Fruit & Herb Pairings :: Pie Edition
Summer fruits and herbs go together like peaches and blueberries, strawberries and chocolate, and of course pie and ice cream — the best pairing ever! No the lovely pairing of fruits and herbs aren’t ones that automatically come to mind when you think of summer flavors, or any flavor pairing for that matter, but they…
An Effortless Al Fresco “Fado” Garden Party || A Farewell to Summer
Each event I do is special, but some are just a bit more special than others and this one, inspired by al fresco cafes and Fado, celebrated 6o years of life for the person who builds and assists me in making almost all my creative event ideas into reality. And it was one of the…
Mood Board : An Effortless Al Fresco European Cafe | End of Summer Party
“Há uma música do povo. Nem sei dizer se é um fado. Que ouvindo há um ritmo novo, no ser que tenho guardado…É uma simples melodia. Das que se aprendem a viver.” Há Uma Música Do Povo – Mariza ….“There’s a song from the people. I’m not too sure if it’s a Fado. Once listened, there’s a new…
Sweet & Savory Summer Fruit Salad
Nothing beats juicy ripe fresh summer fruits, like a chilled slice of watermelon on a hot sunny day or savoring a sweet like honey melon on a warm night gazing up at the starry summer sky. It’s one of the many reasons I love summer fruits, not only are they beyond delicious, they’re almost always…
