Backyard Dates and Summer Recipe

June 16, 2020

I’m so excited that summer is finally here in New England! Long, sunny days playing in the sprinkler with the kids, walking barefoot in the grass, open windows at night to the sound of crickets and tree frogs.. 😍

Our anniversary was the other night (11 years!) and we decided to do a little backyard dinner date and bonfire. Our house and studio is on 3 1/2 acres, surrounded by woods and wildlife, and it’s so beautiful out there at sunset. Our babies go to sleep early, and even though we had fun celebrating with them too (beach day and ice cream) we were excited for the after party to start around 7pm 😆

I set up our little outdoor table for two, made one of our favorite summer dishes (recipe below!) and poured some wine while Sam stoked a big fire. Then we ate and relaxed as the fire crackled next to us, with sounds of summer all around (and a baby monitor nearby too of course.😉) It was so simple but, honestly, one of our favorite anniversary dates so far.

Whether setting up an intimate table for two, a huge family holiday spread, or just breakfast with the kids, we create our pottery for moments just like this- to add beauty to the everyday experience of gathering together for meals-which is so much more than just food.

____________________

Pesto is one of my go to summer recipes- it’s so easy and quick (just throw it all in a food processor) but unbelievably fresh and delicious. We’re growing basil this year, so I was excited to make this as our anniversary meal. It was the first time this summer that I made it, but man, I will definitely be making it probably weekly now for the rest of the season.. so yummy. I thought I’d share the recipe here because it’s just so good- It’s perfect on sandwiches and homemade pizza too. Do yourself a favor and try it 👌I’m almost drooling just thinking about it and want to make it again right now!

Basil Pesto

2 cups basil leaves (tightly packed)

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 large cloves of garlic

1/4 of a lemon squeezed

1/3 cup fresh Parmesan*

Coarse sea salt to taste (don’t be shy!)

*it’s just as good without the cheese, could easily be made vegan

Just process or blend all the ingredients together and mix with your favorite pasta. I usually top with some cherry tomatoes (lightly sautéed in olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the sweetness) and a sprinkle of feta cheese- but there are so many variations and options!

P.S. I’m so not a recipe person.. like it’s painful for me to follow recipes, I just cook and taste and add and alter as I go, but for the sake of this blog I attempted to measure and record what I did more or less. Feel free to taste and alter as you go too...you have my full permission 😉

What are your favorite go to summer recipes? Have you had any special at home date nights recently? Would love to hear about it below!

Share this recipe with someone who might like it!

Enjoy, and happy summer!

Sarah

Coastal Clay