“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August”

– Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Embracing the Magic of Summer: A Season of Flavor, Family, and Unforgettable Adventures

Hello, wonderful readers! It truly feels like ages since our last proper catch-up, and I must confess, I lay the blame squarely on the shoulders of summer. What a whirlwind these past few months have been! Summer invariably ushers in a period of delightful chaos, brimming with activity and joy, doesn’t it? Rest assured, I am not complaining in the slightest. This season has unfolded into a spectacular, wonderfully hot, dry, and utterly delicious stretch of time, leaving us with a trove of cherished memories.

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to whisper at the edges of the horizon, I find myself reflecting on the incredible bounty and profound experiences that define summer. From the kitchen bursting with fresh produce to heartwarming family milestones and exciting travels, this season has been a vibrant tapestry of life’s most beautiful moments. Join me as we journey back through the sun-drenched days, celebrating the flavors, the laughter, and the adventures that made this summer truly unforgettable.

The Culinary Heart of Summer: Savoring Nature’s Bounty

One of the most profound joys of summer, especially for those passionate about food, is the sheer abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Before I embarked on this blogging journey, I don’t think I ever fully grasped the true generosity of summer’s harvest. Now, each year, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of beautiful berries, followed by succulent stone fruits, and then the triumphant emergence of garden squash and ripe tomatoes. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in cooking with ingredients that are at their peak, bursting with natural flavors and vibrant colors.

A Harvest of Freshness and Flavor

This summer, I was particularly blessed. My incredibly generous in-laws gifted us a veritable mountain of plump, juicy cherries and sweet apricots, fresh from their trees. These fruits, brimming with sunshine, were a culinary dream, inspiring countless recipes and sweet treats. Adding to this delightful haul, we received bags full of freshly picked saskatoons – a truly unique and cherished berry, known for its sweet, almond-like flavor, perfect for pies, jams, or simply enjoyed by the handful. My own garden also outdid itself, providing an endless supply of luscious raspberries, nutrient-rich kale, and versatile zucchini, proving that home-grown truly tastes best.

Exploring new culinary creations with these magnificent ingredients has been an absolute delight. I’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavor combinations and crafting dishes that truly embody the essence of summer. In fact, I gathered so many ideas and inspirations that I couldn’t possibly get to them all! It seems I’ll either have to patiently wait until next summer to bring some of these concepts to life, or perhaps you’ll find me blogging about delightful watermelon recipes in the chilly depths of November!

Summer Kitchen Creations: Recipes to Relish

Among the many wonderful dishes born from this summer’s bounty, a few truly stood out as firm favorites. My Saskatoon-Cherry Galette, with its rustic charm and perfect balance of sweet and tart, quickly became a family staple, perfect for sharing on warm evenings. The Thai Zucchini Boats offered a fantastic way to utilize the abundant zucchini, transforming a simple vegetable into a vibrant, flavorful meal bursting with aromatic spices. And for those scorching days when turning on the oven seemed unthinkable, my No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Tart was an absolute revelation – rich, decadent, and delightfully cool.

And let’s be honest, can you truly say it’s summer without indulging in some glorious ice cream? This year, my world was utterly rocked by the no-churn ice cream method. Seriously, if you haven’t tried it, you absolutely must! It delivers incredibly creamy, delicious results without the need for any special equipment. The roasted strawberry rhubarb version was a particular triumph, capturing the tangy sweetness of late spring fruits in every spoonful.

Cherished Family Moments: A Season of Milestones and Adventures

Beyond the delectable food, this summer has been a rich tapestry of life’s ups and downs, filled with incredible adventures, heartfelt smiles, and the occasional curveball that keeps things interesting. Our days were punctuated by significant family milestones and memorable escapades, both near and far.

Milestone Birthdays and Creative Celebrations

We celebrated both of our wonderful boys’ birthdays this summer, marking significant leaps in their young lives. Our youngest, Mr. Wally, officially turned the big “one,” a heartwarming milestone filled with first tastes of cake and joyful chaos. Just last week, our spirited Oscar celebrated his third birthday, and I can hardly believe how quickly time flies! For his special day, I attempted to bake a firetruck cake, a task that proved more challenging than anticipated. While the intention was there, the execution resulted in a shade far closer to pink than a true firetruck red. It was certainly a learning experience, and one that undoubtedly needs a bit more refinement before it makes its official debut on the blog!

Adventures Near and Far: Exploring New Horizons

Our biggest adventure of the summer took us across continents. At the end of June, my husband, Etienne, had a work opportunity in Amsterdam. A few days later, I joined him, and we met up in the stunning country of Portugal. For an unforgettable week, we explored its enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Days were spent savoring delicious sangria, lounging on sun-kissed beaches, and indulging in the most wonderful fresh seafood. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the romantic, fairytale palaces of Sintra, Portugal truly captured our hearts. I hope you had the chance to read about our incredible journey through that beautiful country!

While Portugal was certainly our grandest escapade in a while, we also cherished several smaller, more intimate road trips closer to home. I took the boys to Kimberly by myself to spend quality time with friends, and I must admit, I quickly rediscovered the invaluable utility of an out-of-tune radio in the car. When the little ones start to complain or squabble, a quick blast of static from an un-tuned station works wonders – or at the very least, it provides a brief, sanity-saving distraction for the driver! These shorter trips, though sometimes challenging with young children, are incredibly rewarding, offering a chance to explore nearby gems and create simple, joyful memories.

A couple of months ago, we also ventured out to my sister’s beautiful acreage, a trip that was brimming with fun and laughter. Oscar had an absolute blast with his cousins, bouncing with boundless energy on their trampoline and joyfully riding around the sprawling property in his uncle’s golf cart. These moments of carefree play and cousin camaraderie are truly what summer is all about, fostering bonds and creating happy childhood memories.

Connections Beyond the Immediate: Weddings, Wildlife, and Westeros

Our summer wasn’t just about immediate family; it was also a time for strengthening bonds with friends and embracing broader connections, even with the fictional worlds we cherish.

Celebrating Love and Unexpected Encounters

Oh, and if you’ve been following along with our adventures, you’ll know that this summer also brought the joyous celebration of a wedding for a couple of our dear friends. It was a truly beautiful occasion filled with heartfelt moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the nuptials themselves, the wonderfully decadent CUPCAKES, and the touching speeches that perfectly encapsulated the couple’s love story. However, what truly elevated the experience was the fantastic company. Among the delightful guests, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a minor celebrity, Alexander Ludwig! It was an absolute highlight of the weekend for me, adding an extra dash of excitement to an already perfect celebration.

Pop Culture Phenomenon: Game of Thrones

On the topic of Hollywood and captivating TV shows, this summer also saw the epic continuation of Game of Thrones, which has undoubtedly been another major highlight. This Sunday marks the highly anticipated season finale, and I confess, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and a touch of melancholy. It’s been so much fun being part of the global craze, engaging in spirited discussions, theorizing, and speculating endlessly about what dramatic twists and turns lie ahead. Every Sunday night has been a thrilling experience, brimming with anticipation as we dive back into the intricate world of Westeros.

Reflecting on Roots and Future Journeys: From South Africa to Autumn

As the summer days gracefully dwindle, we’ve also had the profound joy of a very special family reunion, bringing distant relatives closer and inspiring dreams of future explorations.

A Welcome from Afar: Family Connections

This week, Etienne’s beloved Grandma arrived from South Africa, embarking on what was undoubtedly a very long and tiring journey. We are incredibly grateful that she made the trip to be with us, bridging the vast geographical distance with her warmth and love. Her visit reminds us of our own cherished memories of South Africa. We often talk about how much we’d love to return with the boys one day, but we plan to wait until they’re a little older, so they can fully appreciate and remember the incredible experience. Pssst – if you’re ever brainstorming cool places for an unforgettable adventure, South Africa is absolutely AMAZING. It boasts some of the best food we’ve ever tasted, along with an unparalleled abundance of breathtaking scenery and cultural richness to explore. Truly beautiful!

No big deal, that’s just me, walking an elephant (and 6 months pregnant at the time – what an adventure! It truly speaks to the incredible experiences South Africa offers).

The Bittersweet Farewell to Summer and Embracing Autumn’s Arrival

I digress from reminiscing about past travels to focus on the present. As much as I’m trying to hold on tightly to every last drop of sunshine, the glorious summer of 2017 is undeniably drawing to a close. For me, summer has always been that magical window of time where most of the best, most vivid memories are made. This year, we were truly blessed with wonderfully hot and consistently beautiful weather, and I can confidently say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single thing that summer had to offer.

From cozy backyard fires under starry skies and invigorating hikes through lush trails, to refreshing splashes at local parks and lazy days spent on sandy beaches, summer, you have truly been magnificent. You’ve brought laughter, adventure, delicious food, and cherished moments with loved ones. It’s hard to say goodbye, but as one beautiful season ends, another exciting one begins. Now, with a heart full of gratitude and a touch of wistful anticipation, I declare: Bring on the pumpkin! I’m ready for the cozy comforts and vibrant colors of autumn, and all the wonderful new memories it promises to bring.

XOXO

Katherine