Another week has flown by, and it honestly feels as though May disappeared at record speed. I am not sure how we are already looking ahead to June, but I have a feeling the next month will move just as quickly. Between warmer days, fresh produce, simple summer recipes, and busy weekend plans, this time of year always seems to gather momentum before I am fully ready for it.
Chicago finally had its first true stretch of summer weather, and it has been such a welcome change. Tonight we are heading out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Avec, with my god sister, Caitlin, who is in town for the night. Tomorrow morning, we are hoping to make it back to the farmers market as well. Last week’s visit was incredibly inspiring from a cooking perspective. The colors, textures, and seasonal vegetables were exactly the kind of motivation I needed, and that trip encouraged me to share this shaved vegetable arugula salad right away. Fresh market produce always makes weeknight meals feel brighter and more exciting.
In other news, I shared my very first recipe video on Instagram a few days ago. It was a helpful reminder to break out of my comfort zone, which was one of my goals for the year. I had been sitting on that video for weeks, overthinking every detail and wondering whether it was ready to share. Eventually, I decided to stop hesitating and simply put it out into the world. The response was so kind and encouraging, and I truly appreciate the support. Sometimes the best creative progress happens when we stop waiting for perfect conditions.
Here’s what I’m loving this week:
I finally ordered a popsicle mold in preparation for Popsicle Week, a fun event at the end of June when many bloggers share their favorite popsicle recipes. Since summer desserts are officially on my mind, it felt like the right time to get organized. I chose this one after hearing several good recommendations from friends.
From the archives, I am planning to remake this green lentil soup with coconut milk. It is still one of the best lentil soups I have ever made, with comforting texture, warm spices, and enough richness to feel satisfying without being heavy.
I also came across a wonderful meal planning chart. It was created with kids in mind, but it is useful for anyone who wants a clearer approach to weekly meals. A simple printable like this can make grocery shopping, dinner planning, and family cooking feel much more manageable.
If you are planning a Memorial Day menu, this might be the best type of pasta salad to add to the table. I do not usually get excited about pasta salads, but this one looks fresh, colorful, and full of the kind of flavors that work so well for a warm-weather gathering.
My friend Kristin wrote a helpful post about the importance of mise en place, including practical tips for making it part of your regular cooking routine. Taking a few minutes to measure, prep, and organize ingredients before starting can make both baking and everyday cooking feel calmer and more enjoyable.
It is officially ice cream season, so a small round-up of favorite homemade ice cream recipes feels necessary. A few worth revisiting are Olive Oil Stracciatella Ice Cream, Fresh Vanilla Mint Ice Cream, and Burnt Sugar Ice Cream. Each one feels like a different way to celebrate the start of summer dessert season.
For breakfast during the final weeks of asparagus season, these asparagus cream baked eggs look especially good. Seasonal asparagus always feels like something to enjoy while it lasts, and this recipe sounds like a simple but special way to use it.
As a self-proclaimed Making a Murderer fanatic, I am very excited about Netflix’s new series, The Keepers. If you are also interested in true crime documentaries, you can read more about it here.
I cannot decide what I am more excited about: these crispy potatoes or Smitten Kitchen’s second cookbook. Both sound like exactly the kind of kitchen inspiration I want right now.
The carrot cake breakfast cookies disappeared so quickly, and I highly recommend making a batch on Sunday to help get you through the week. They are convenient, satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings. Next week, I am also planning to make several dinners from Love Real Food, which should make meal planning a little easier.
I am still desperately looking for flattering one-piece swimsuits, so if you have any favorites, please send them my way. Help a girl out. Thank you, and happy weekend!