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Hello
It
seems like just yesterday I wrote "spring is upon
us" and it's mid August already yikes! If you haven't
taken advantage of our great beaches and parks this
summer, you really must. When was the last time you
had a bonfire at the beach? There are still bonfire
rings around San Diego beaches thanks to a private
donation from someone who couldn't bear to see them
taken away. A huge thank you to him. And Target online
has the cutest
marshmallow & hot dog skewers 8 for $18.00.
There are volleyball courts at several city beaches for a day in the sun. Don't forget a picnic lunch. And if you want your favorite pup to join
you there's always Fiesta Island where dogs and horses are welcome as well as water skiers, jet skiers and just about anything else. Other dog friendly beaches are in Coronado, Ocean Beach, Del Mar and Oceanside.
So you love the beach and not so much the sand.(I still haven't found a recipe that works well with sand). How about Mission Bay Park and Crown
Point? Many areas are really under utilized and usually there's parking aplenty. You can enjoy the boats, water and sun without wrestling the sand. Behind the Hilton you can rent paddle boats and sail boats by the hour. They even have a
nice patio restaurant if you don't want to pack in your food and beverages.
The beach isn't for you... well, San Diego's
outdoor summer concerts are really fun. They are held at neighborhood parks all over San Diego.There are all kinds of bands and music to choose from and so many different neighborhoods to explore. There are still lots of concerts and
venues to choose from so check them out. There's sure to be one in your neighborhood.
Before you head off to the beach, park or a summer concert, I suggest you pick up some fresh locally grown heirloom tomatoes from your
local farmer's market. I've linked the farmer's market locations, days and times for you.
No matter how you choose to spend the last days before the Zonie's go home and the kids are back in school, remember summer weather is with us at
least through September so there's still time plenty of time to enjoy our beaches and parks.
Much love,
Julie
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Heirloom Tomatoes
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If you're looking for a fun event at an interesting venue that benefits a great cause LOOK NO FURTHER!!!
You can interact with some of San Diego's top chefs.
Fresh produce from Specialty Produce and food from Blind Lady Ale House, Hash House A Go Go, Kensington Grill, 1500 Ocean, Urban Solace, Jsix,
Alchemy, Flight, Water's Fine Catering and many more will be available from 6:30 p.m. until it's all gone. There will be a cocktail bar sponsored by the Tractor Room, beer from Trumer Pilsner and Palm Breweries, and wine donated by local
distributors.
Live performances and artist displays will run from 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. (or so), at the Specialty Produce
Warehouse, located at 1929 Hancock St. Tickets are $75.00 $55.00 & $25.00 and are available online at
www.fruitofthesoul.org or at the door. Your ticket
includes entertainment, drinks and delicious edibles. The event is open to those 18 and older.
The evening will include: a silent auction; fashion from local designers; three art trucks, with prints and paintings by local artists, including
aspiring young artists from ARTS; community speakers, Sarita Fuentes, Principal and CEO of the Monarch School and Matt D'Arrigo, Executive Director, A Reason to Survive (ARTS); and performances by local musicians, including The Loves, Lisa
Campbell and The Monarch School Steel Drum Band!
I hope to see you there!!!!
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Heirloom tomatoes also known as heritage tomatoes are
open-pollinated (non-hybrid) tomatoes. The seeds of the Heirloom tomatoes have been saved and passed from one generation to the next.
Many delicious heirloom varieties of tomatoes have
been thankfully rediscovered. The return of these valuable heirlooms helps maintain the genetic diversity of today's food crops.
Pretty as a picture and varying in size, shape, color
and taste, heirloom tomatoes are very different in appearance from common tomatoes. Most are fragile and have a thin skin. This thin skin, however, is what gives the tomato a higher sugar content and excellent flavor.
The Brandywine tomato adds excellent juicy flavor to
hamburgers and sandwiches. Delicious chunks of the pineapple tomato add color and flavor to salads. Stuff the crimson tomato with favorite fillings for a satisfying main entr?e. Serve the evergreen tomato in the company of mixed vegetables
or toss chunks in stir-fries. The black crimson tomato makes a delicious soup flavored with fresh sweet basil. Goldie heirlooms add their sunny presence and goodness to all of the above. For a flavorful treat, make a "fiesta salsa" using
three or four different heirloom tomatoes; add diced onions, peppers and fresh cilantro. For best flavor, do not refrigerate.
Special thanks to
Specialty Produce for the tomato info.
P.S.
Specialty Produce, sponsor of Fruit of the Soul also donates all the produce, every time we feed the needy downtown. This family run company always has the community in it's heart. |
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KITCHEN ADVICE:
For
those of you who want to cook but aren't sure where to start, here's a
really fun website that gives you daily menus that include shopping
lists, tools needed and step by step instructions starting with, "when
you walk in the door". Check it out and remember you can always call me
with questions.
http://www.notakeout.com/ |
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
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HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD
Yield:
Serves 4 to 6
If the idea of tomatoes and watermelon
together sounds odd to you, this dish
will be a revelation.
Ingredients:
* 3 or 4 small to medium heirloom tomatoes,
in assorted colors, cored and cut into
3/4-inch chunks
* 1 small English or regular cucumber,
peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch
cubes
* 1 cup 3/4-inch-cubed yellow or red
seedless watermelon flesh
* 1 Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled,
and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs,
in any combination: basil, tarragon,
chives, and cilantro
* 1/4 teaspoon coriander seed
* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black
pepper
Preparation:
In
a bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber,
watermelon, avocado, and herbs. In a
spice grinder, grind the coriander seeds
to a fine powder. Add the ground coriander
to the tomato mixture and toss gently.
In
a small bowl, whisk together the olive
oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and
pepper to taste. Pour over the tomato
mixture and toss to coat evenly. Taste
and adjust the seasoning before serving.
To
Drink:
If you asked a group of sommeliers
which white-wine variety they most often
recommend to guests in their restaurants,
the majority would answer Riesling,
one of the world's greatest wine grapes.
Rieslings can vary in style, but all
are delicate, acidic, and fruity (often
tasting of apricot and peach). Look
for a California German-style Riesling
that is dry, light, and slightly sweet
for serving with this salad, such as
the Navarro from Anderson Valley or
an Esterlina from Mendocino.
ENJOY!
recipe from
epicurious.com
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