AUGUST

 

The heat! Oh lord, the heat!

We're now in the final days of summer and I personally cannot wait for the crisp days of fall to come my way, but until then, I will pull on my many years of experience living south of the Mason Dixon line and muddle through. Aqua Zumba at my local community pool is a delightful distraction, as is wading in the creek with my niece on her farm.

Projects you say?

I don't know if you know this but one of the best ways to survive the heat is to sit in an air conditioned room and crochet. And that is exactly what I plan on doing for most of this month. Mostly because when the thermometer flirts with 80F I automatically break out into a sweat, but also because I need to get all this yarn out of their balls, skeins and cakes and into some amazing cozy items for you to see and buy in September when I start my craft fair appearances! Stay tuned to my social media for announcements! 

It's too hot to be in the kitchen!

Don't I know it! I have been putting around my kitchen trying to find other ways to keep cool other than just burying my head in the icebox. Cooking is the worst on a hot day, but other than a toaster (or panini press) this recipe doesn't require you using anything that conducts heat (although adding some heat in the form of hot sauce is highly recommended). This sandwich is my own concoction of trying to make a cheap, healthy meal that I could enjoy on a summer day. Give it a go and let me know what you think! 

Tuna Avocado Sandwich

Ingredients

• Two slices of bread (whole wheat or 7 grain is my go to)
• 1/2 can of tuna in water
• 1/2 medium avocado
• approx. 1 tsp. mayonnaise 
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
• hot sauce to taste (optional - choose your favorite)
• salt + pepper to taste
• Slice of cheese your choice

Instructions

• Toast two slices of bread
• In a bowl combine all other ingredients except slice of cheese. Make sure to mash your avocado!
• Mix everything together until the consistency is to your liking. You want the tuna and avocado to mostly stay together and not crumble apart. If it's still crumbling add more mayo. 
• Once the toast is done, place the slice of cheese on piece of bread, and the mixture on the other. 
• Smash them together and enjoy!

Notes

• Variations include grilling the sandwich like a grilled cheese, or use a panini press! (Gooey cheese is the best!)
• Try adding other elements to the sandwich stack - tomato, bacon, the other half of the avocado sliced. 
• Feel free to season the tuna how you like. I use a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce, salt and pepper, but nothing says you can't throw in some diced onions, peppers, or other minced veggies to make it more of a "tuna salad". The world is your oyster and feel free to use this sandwich as a canvas.
• This recipe is easily doubled for a meal for two, so make plans to sit in the shade of a park bench and picnic with a friend!
• Best served with a small bag of salt and vinegar chips, but some carrots and hummus work well too. 

Refreshments coming up!

I know lemonade is the classic summer beverage and I cannot tell you how much I LOVE my Country Time pitchers of that sweet refreshing drink! But, I came across this mocktail recipe that works well on it's own, and is a fun refreshing beverage that all ages can enjoy that gives lemonade a refreshing break. If it's happy hour and you're of age, I do recommend a shot of clear booze (I prefer rum or tequila in this one) to spice things up! I was lucky enough to be able to "borrow" some fresh mint from my friend's mint patch in their garden. Can't thank them enough! 

Orange Mint Mocktail

Ingredients

• 2 cups orange juice

• ¼ cup lemon juice (squeezed)

• ½ cup club soda / carbonated water

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2-3 slices orange

• 2-3 leaves mint

• ice cubes (as required)

Instructions

• Stir orange juice, lemon juice, water, & sugar in a vessel till the sugar dissolves.

• Garnish with orange slices, mint leaves and ice cubes. 

• Top with soda. 

Notes

• This mocktail tastes better if prepared well in advance so that the mint and orange extracts mix well.

• To make the drink fizzy add soda just before you serve.

• Orange juice with pulp is preferred.

Click here for the original site and recipe. 

Wake me up when September...

Ok, ok, I know that I've been talking about the fall craft fairs that I'm going to be at starting in September, and I can't share some of them because I haven't gotten confirmed for some of them, but... I will give you a sneak peak here:

First Sunday Craft and Vendor Market

Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market

201 Station Road, Quakertown PA, 18951

Outside by the Garden Center

11:00AM to 3:00PM