Last Days of Summer
Summer is coming to an end. Everyone thinks it ends after Labor Day weekend, but I hold on until the last possible second. It's the best, shortest season of the year and I don't understand the lure of cold, harsh wind whipping around your face.
All that being said, there are a few things that you need to do before September 22.
Eat more tomatoes
Summer is peak for tomatoes. They are available year round because of greenhouses, but those fruits are inferior and not worthy to be eaten. A little salt, a little pepper, and you're good to go. The melange of juiciness with firm flesh, balanced acidity, sweetness, earthy freshness all make in-season tomatoes worth while. My favorite varities: Campari, German Johnson, and Cherokee Purple.
Go to the beach & play in the ocean
September and October are prime months to go to the beach because the ocean is at its warmest. I went to the beach in late July/early August and I stayed out in the ocean for hours. So blissful.
Make a fruit pie
The best way to eat summer fruits is in a pie: berries (cherries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.) and stone fruits (peaches, apricots, plums, etc.) Nothing beats fruit sweetened with sugar, thickened with corn starch and wrapped in a piping hot all-butter crust.
Take pictures of you & your friends
I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by lots of dedicated people I like to call my friends. Any given night, you'll find a group of us hanging out, going to concerts, planning trips, and enjoying our awesome city of Winston-Salem.
Visit a local winery
Just because fall harvest is just around the corner doesn't mean you can't throw on a tank top and flip flops and enjoy a day at your favorite local winery or vineyard. What's that? You don't have a favorite? Jump in the car and visit the closest one.
Go stargazing
Viewing the constellations is a great way to pass a clear evening. Starting with the brightest stars and the clearest formations, we can learn to spot constellations. Check out where you should look and what you can see TONIGHT, right here.
Have a cookout
Yes, yes--I know--you've been chillin' and grillin' all summer long. You'll continue to grill during the fall and winter, too. But having one more cookout (or barbecue, as you Northerners call it) won't kill you. Coolers full of ice and beer, smoking grill, sizzling meats, seasoned vegetables, mayonnaise-laden salads... ahh--bliss.
All that being said, there are a few things that you need to do before September 22.
Eat more tomatoes
Summer is peak for tomatoes. They are available year round because of greenhouses, but those fruits are inferior and not worthy to be eaten. A little salt, a little pepper, and you're good to go. The melange of juiciness with firm flesh, balanced acidity, sweetness, earthy freshness all make in-season tomatoes worth while. My favorite varities: Campari, German Johnson, and Cherokee Purple.
Go to the beach & play in the ocean
September and October are prime months to go to the beach because the ocean is at its warmest. I went to the beach in late July/early August and I stayed out in the ocean for hours. So blissful.
Make a fruit pie
The best way to eat summer fruits is in a pie: berries (cherries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.) and stone fruits (peaches, apricots, plums, etc.) Nothing beats fruit sweetened with sugar, thickened with corn starch and wrapped in a piping hot all-butter crust.
Take pictures of you & your friends
I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by lots of dedicated people I like to call my friends. Any given night, you'll find a group of us hanging out, going to concerts, planning trips, and enjoying our awesome city of Winston-Salem.
Visit a local winery
Just because fall harvest is just around the corner doesn't mean you can't throw on a tank top and flip flops and enjoy a day at your favorite local winery or vineyard. What's that? You don't have a favorite? Jump in the car and visit the closest one.
Go stargazing
Viewing the constellations is a great way to pass a clear evening. Starting with the brightest stars and the clearest formations, we can learn to spot constellations. Check out where you should look and what you can see TONIGHT, right here.
Have a cookout
Yes, yes--I know--you've been chillin' and grillin' all summer long. You'll continue to grill during the fall and winter, too. But having one more cookout (or barbecue, as you Northerners call it) won't kill you. Coolers full of ice and beer, smoking grill, sizzling meats, seasoned vegetables, mayonnaise-laden salads... ahh--bliss.
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About the author
Nikki Miller-Ka
Ms. Miller-Ka is a classically trained chef with a BA in English from East Carolina University and a Culinary Arts Associate Degree from Le Cordon Bleu-Miami.
Formerly, she’s worked as a researcher, an editorial assistant, reporter and guest blogger for various publications and outlets in the Southeast. She has also worked as a catering chef, a pastry chef, a butcher, a baker, and a biscuit-maker. Presently, she is a food editor, freelance food writer, and a tour guide for Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours.
These all look like great ideas to me!! Wine, food, the beach...can't get much better than that!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! You linked up with the LOBS party!! Wootwoot!! Did you see my shout out to my favorite NikSnacks??
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful ways to get summer started - now if only the weather would play ball...
ReplyDelete