lemons – Stylish Heath

I used the long weekend to test a few recipes for the upcoming holidays and one in particular was a “lemon drizzle” cake, which I knew my niece and mom would be partial to as lemons are a favorite. I cannot express how moist and delicious this dessert tasted once finished. It is the perfect treat to add to one’s holiday repertoire as it exudes a most citrusy flavor and can be for those who would prefer a light tasting sweet after a heavy meal with a hot cup of coffee.

I recall my favorite aunt making a similar cake, and once I found a recipe that resembled hers, I added almond meal to the all purpose flour and cut back on the butter. Making the lemon syrup in a pan on top of the stove with the pulp, zest and sugar was the ultimate crowning, instead of using a traditional icing. It could not have turned out any better. Enjoy Linda McCartney’s recipe for Lemon Drizzle Cake from Town & Country.

Bowlfuls of Lemons
As one season unfolds towards the next, there are a few items that are a must to withstand the heat and humidity of summer. A bowl of lemons are a constant on our kitchen counter, for spritzing up a simple glass of iced water by adding thin slices or mixing a few herbs with a bit of olive oil for a simple dressing, and the absolute best are a few wedges used to make an easy meal of shrimp scampi.

Dinner at PassionFish
According to legend, the Watermen of the Chesapeake indicate the first opportunity for acquiring soft-shell crabs is during the first full moon of May. Whether this folklore is true or not, I can safely state this is a time when my girlfriends and I head to PassionFish at the Reston Town Center for these scrumptious crustaceans. It has become our yearly ritual to come to this restaurant for a delicious meal of soft-shelled crabs, which are piled high on a plate and served with… you guessed it… wedges of lemon. PassionFish is the perfect place to start the summer, and as always, nothing goes together like great friends and delicious food!!!

Project B- Photo Edition Prints, Rare Vintage Photos
Search the “Project B” site for limited edition or rare original prints from years past. The staff here preserve photographs’ from unknown photographers and will ship these vintage prints for a fee. It is like searching through the photography room at the Library of Congress in the privacy of your home.

Fresh Mint Tea for Breakfast
There is nothing like mint freshly picked from the garden for brewing the perfect cup of tea on a cool summer morning. The ingredients are very simple, earthy and a fabulous way to start the day.

›Several stalks of fresh mint
›Hot water

I like to rip the mint leaves and add a bit of the stalk to a cup. Pour hot water over the ingredients and let steep for few minutes, until the water turns a fresh green. Then sit out on the front porch with your cat and watch the day begin!!!

Watermelon Salad

›A few cups of seedless watermelon cut into 3/4-inch cubes
›A cup of chopped cucumbers
›½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
›A spritz of whole lemon
›A few fresh mint leaves, torn
›Several tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
›Several tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar
›Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Combine the watermelon, cucumbers, feta cheese, spritz of a lemon and fresh mint into a bowl. Next, in a smaller bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar with the salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the melon mixture and coat gently. You will definitely need to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, but this is always a perfect start to a summer meal.

{Orange Asiatic Lilies}

Remember, nothing says stylish like decorating your summer table with flowers from the garden, Whether it is the Fourth of July, a huge family barbeque or simply a birthday, do not forget the flowers!

Have a stylish and cool summer!!!