Scones with Violet Jelly

Scones with Violet Jam

On one of my trips home I discovered my mom was experimenting with new jelly flavors. Her newest batch included violet and dandelion. I loved the idea of floral jelly, but I was hesitant about trying my first sample. Would the floral elements be overpowering?

Scones with Violet Jam

To my surprise, the infused floral flavor was light and sweet. It was a lovely twist on more traditional flavors and I couldn’t help hosting a mini tea party to showcase the specialty jelly. Layered upon warm scones spread with whipped cream, the violet jelly added a playful element to the flavor combination.

Scones with Violet Jam

While violet or dandelion jelly may not be readily available in your supermarket, it is a fun treat to look for while browsing your local farmers market. Or if you are feeling adventurous, you could try making a batch yourself!

Peach Shrub Gin and Tonic

Peach Scrub Gin and Tonic. Refreshing summer cocktail!

The peaches at our local market blanketed the produce section with a sweet aroma. Not being able to withstand this temptation, I filled my basket and headed to the check out. Once I was unloading my groceries I realized I may have gone over board.

Sure, Ian and I love peaches, but as we looked at each other we both knew I made a mistake. There was no way we could eat them all before they went bad.

Peach Scrub Gin and Tonic. Refreshing summer cocktail!

After scrolling through Pinterest and flipping through cookbooks, I settled on trying out a new infused drink – a peach shrub. This concoction involves making a fruit syrup and diluting it with vinegar. I heard shrubs can add a refreshing twist to traditional cocktails and I couldn’t resit using it as a base for the classic gin and tonic.

Peach Scrub Gin and Tonic. Refreshing summer cocktail!

The flavor combinations for shrubs are endless. Have fun playing around with different mixtures of fruits and vinegar! You can even get creative on how you use your shrub. Keep it simple and sip on it with club soda or add it to your favorite cocktail recipe!

Peach Shrub

Ingredients:

  • 3 peaches, washed and cut into even slices
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup champagne vinegar

Recipe:

  • Fill glass mason jar with peach slices and add the sugar
  • Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the sugar is evenly distributed
  • Place (on a windowsill?) for 2 days, shake daily
  • Open the jar and strain out the peach slices
  • Add the champagne vinegar to the peach syrup
  • Stir until well incorporated and store in the fridge up to a week

Peach Shrub Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz tonic water
  • 2 oz gin
  • 2 oz peach shrub

Recipe:

  • Combine the gin and peach shrub in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice
  • Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a tumbler
  • Pour in the gin and enjoy

 

Summer Berry Salad

Summer Berry Salad

On the weekends lunch is a struggle. I usually get caught up in little house projects, checking items off my to-do list, or driving around town running errands. All of a sudden my stomach starts growling and I look down at my phone – it’s already past noon! Where did the time go?!

Summer Berry Salad

At this point I should have eaten an hour ago and Ian knows he is treading on dangerous territory since I’m likely to become #hangery. In situations like these time is not on our side. I don’t have half an hour to tediously work my way through a recipe, so we often resort to this delicious (and quick!) summer berry salad.

Summer Berry Salad

It’s simple and fresh. The perfect combination for lunch on a summer weekend. Since I never know when I will be in a pinch I keep my fridge stocked with produce from the farmers market, but if you are better at meal planning on the weekends make sure to add these items to your weekly shop!

Summer Berry Salad

Ingredients:

  • Spinach
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries, sliced
  • Dried cranberries
  • Feta Cheese
  • Walnuts, crushed
  • Balsamic glaze

Recipe:

  • Wash and dry your produce
  • Layer a handful of spinach, blueberries and strawberries on a plate
  • Sprinkle with feta cheese, walnuts and cranberries
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze, or a salad dressing of your choice