Savoring the Season’s Freshest Produce… Summer is in full swing, and whether you’re growing your own vegetables or shopping at local farmers markets, there’s no better time to enjoy fresh, local produce. This summer, our garden is overflowing with vegetables – garden bounty, which has become the focal point of most of our meals. We’re currently highlighting the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, and tomatoes. The blueberries are not only perfect for snacking but also great for baking, jam and freezing, ensuring we have a taste of summer all year round. They also make their way into delicious blueberry muffins and desserts that everyone loves. Cucumbers are also incredibly versatile. We love using them in tzatziki and making homemade pickles—two refreshing treats that are perfect for hot days. Zucchini, on the other hand, shines in a variety of menu items, from side dishes to bread and even a favorite chocolate cake that always surprises and delights guests. And let’s not forget the tomatoes, which are at their peak right now. Their juicy, sweet flavor enhances everything from salads to sauces. We love the variety and versatility of tomatoes. If you have never roasted tomatoes, we highly recommend it. In addition to our bountiful harvest, the flowers in our garden are also abundant this time of year, perfect for making for beautiful bouquets. So, whether you’re harvesting from your garden or exploring the local farmers markets, take advantage of this season’s garden bounty. It’s the perfect time to savor the freshest, most flavorful produce of the year.
Iberian Peninsula Allure…
Explore Seville and Southern Portugal! Our recent adventure to Seville, the southern coast of Portugal, and Lisbon was absolutely wonderful! The allure of the Iberian peninsula is captivating. Just remember to reset your inner clock! It’s typical for locals to have dinner around 10 pm and hit the bars or clubs around midnight or even later. Here are some of the highlights and why you should consider a trip to the southern Iberian Peninsula: Seville Highlights – a modern city with a rich cultural atmosphere. Bike Tour – You’ve got to try a bike tour in Seville! We recommend See By Bike via Viator. Our guide, Ivan, was fantastic and showed us all of the must-see spots and shared interesting historical tidbits that furthered our appreciation for this beautiful city. After our tour, we knew exactly where to head back to for further exploration. Santa Cruz Section – We stayed in the charming Santa Cruz section of the city at the H10 Casa de la Plata hotel. This location was fantastic – a lovely hotel with a beautiful rooftop pool and bar. Local Boutiques and Cuisine – Shopping at local boutiques and indulging in the cuisine was a blast. Our top food pick? Tapas at Lola Por Dios. Seriously, it was absolutely delicious! Rich History – Seville’s history is captivating. From the stunning architecture, beautiful patterned tilework to the vibrant culture, there’s so much to soak in. People here don’t rush, they seem to take their time and enjoy life. Southern Portugal Highlights Cascais & Sintra – Cascais is such a lovely coastal town, touted as the Portuguese Riviera and known for its green wine. We loved wandering through its charming streets, cooling off with some delicious gelato from Santini and pampering at the new Legacy Hotel and Spa, which we can’t recommend enough. Relaxing Beach Days – The coastline of southern Portugal is like a dream come true. We recommend spending a few days at the beach, just soaking up the sun and the amazing views. Parks, Palaces and Pottery – The Sintra-CasCais Natural Park is a beautiful area for hiking, biking and surfing. The area includes the Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point and extend to the Castle of the Moors. Sintra is known for it’s beautiful palaces (including the Pena National Palace), castles, scenic beaches and parks. We encourage you to take some time to appreciate the beautiful Portuguese handmade ceramics. There are many incredible small artisans and bigger names like Bordallo Pinheiro, Casa Cubista, Costa Nova found in shops throughout this region. Lisbon – known for its stunning Old-World architecture, lively nightlife and excellent cuisine. Avenida Liberdade – The top shopping street in Lisbon. Perfect for a shopping spree! Time Out Market – Like the Time Out markets in other major cities, the market in Lisbon is a must-visit for sampling a variety of local foods and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The slogan for this market is bringing together the best of the city under one roof. It’s a fun place to go with a group – everyone can find something to eat that they enjoy. Azulejos or Tiles – stunning tiles seem to be everywhere you look across Southern Portugal. It’s hard not to fall in love with the unique patterns and colors that blanket buildings and make this small European country and its streets beloved for their beauty. Ceramicas na Linha – It’s like a candy store for buying ceramics. Located in the heart of Chiado, this backstreet ceramic store sells all sorts of Portuguese pottery. There is also a second shop in the back called Luza. They stock other brands, including Bordallo Pinheiro and Costa Nova. Here are the beautiful Costa Nova bowls we found. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Seville or the stunning coastline of Portugal, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!,