Hello Everyone!

Happy fourth of july week! It is kind of a weird work week for me – and I suspect many of you too. Work a bit, take a break, work a bit more and then another weekend is here!

I’m not quite sure what our plans are quite yet, but I’m hoping it involves a pool and a grill.

This is what I want to eat and drink!

Sips:

Mango Wine Coolers via Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Blueberry Smash via Bon Appétit

Summer Hoedown (Watermelon Beer Cocktail) via CHOW

Mango Raspberry Sangria via Epicurean Mom

Watermelon Keg (picture source)

Bites & Sides: 

Fresh Spring Rolls via Satisfy My Sweet Tooth

Extra-Green Goddess Dip via Bon Appétit (photo source)

Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes via Bon Appétit

Mains:

Hot Dogs with Peppers & Mozzarella 

Peach, Prosciutto, and Goat-Cheese Pizza via Gourmet

Grill-Pressed Italian Party Panini via Serious Eats

Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs via A Spicy Perspective

Korean BBQ Ribs via Jo Cooks

Treats:

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars via Pinch of Yum

Peach-Blueberry Ice Cream Pie via Bon Appétit (photo source)

Blueberry Mascarpone Tart via Sugar & Snapshots

Wild Ginger Ice Cream via Hunter Angler Gardener Cook

Easy Berry Pavlova via Haidee’s Kitchen

What is on your menu?

Have a safe 4th of July!

My second shipment of Copper River Salmon arrived last week and let me just say – I wish salmon season was year-round. I’m not sure that I’ve ever had salmon so fresh and so delicious.

Even though I’ve always wanted to make a fish tartare – I’ve always been a little apprehensive. Partly because my Food Microbiology Professor frightened us with horrible stories of raw fish and partly because eating raw fish at home seems a little scary. But I’m never one to live in fear, so it was time to try it out. I searched for recipes online and took a little bit from here and a little bit from there to create this salmon tartare plus avocado that is absolutely delicious and full of good fats.

The salmon tartare is bursting with flavor and is pretty addictive alongside salty tortilla chips and a chilled beverage.

So. Go get yourself some ultra-fresh salmon and make some tartare this summer! It is the perfect lunch, or afternoon snack and is everything I look for in food – exciting flavors, somewhat healthy, a little pretty and super simple.