Even though autumn has my heart, there are so many things about summer that I adore. This past Saturday, Eric and I went to the big farmer’s market for the first time in ages, and we have been gleefully feasting on its fruit (literally!) ever since. We bought a big bag of cherries, a whole flat of strawberries, several nectarines, a few ears of corn, and dill and green onions for potato salad. In Berkeley, we’d always rejoice on the magical day when the rows of onions and citrus would be replaced by peaches and melons, and it still amazes me what having fresh fruit will do for your quality of life. Cold cherries have got to be one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Another glorious development is that all of the star of jasmine bushes outside our building are in bloom. The one consolation that a really hot day brings is the wall of sweet jasmine fragrance that hits you as you walk out the door. It is absolutely one of my favorite things.
And speaking of blooms, I saw these gorgeous freshly planted marigolds as I was out and about today. If that’s not summer sunshine in a flowerbed, I don’t know what is.
And finally, you know it’s summer when you find yourself slathering fresh whipped cream and strawberries on cake. Inspired by my BFF’s recent baking adventures, I tried this out on my spice cake, and it was *divine*. Summer, come on in. My door’s open.
Happy to have inspired you! Is whipped cream ever a bad thing?!
With all the excess from the cake (am really not sure how it could have held any more whipped cream), we made mango fools. Also, good stuff and highly recommended.
Oh, that sounds lovely! All I can think of for dessert this summer is smooth and creamy…perhaps I will soon be going the way of custards, puddings, and fools! It sounds pretty irresistible (and I just fell in love with your cake!)
Fresh fruit is pretty much the best thing ever and I miss the fruit stands from summers living in Oregon. Fruit in Arizona is mostly all imported and still expensive, boo
Now I’m craving Strawberry Shortcake!
Oh, Oregon, now there is a gorgeous place! I’m craving strawberry shortcake too–the best possible reason to turn on the oven during the summer!