Samantha's Summer Picks
Years Ago
When our kids were small, my husband and I found a piece of land on a lake in northern Maine, built a cabin and now we call it home every year during the summer months. Although we both work remotely throughout the summer, we find absolute joy in welcoming and entertaining our friends from near and far, especially during the week of 4th of July; which in our little town is celebrated on July 3rd, (there are only so many pyrotechnician's in the state of Maine ;-)
Taking Cue
The summer months have me dreaming of travel to far off lands and a slower pace. Morocco is on my list of places to visit and many of the new home and garden arrivals in the shop evoke the beauty of the riads and medinas of Marrakech. Here are a few of my favorites and the pieces I'll be adorning my own table with as my family and friends gather together.
From the open air kitchens to the colors and patterns found throughout Morocco, I like the idea of incorporating our Moroccan Trays, Safi Bowls in aqua and the Rock Glasses that hold a tint of green. Having a tablecloth or not is always a toss up, that's why I prefer a table runner like our Serpentina Runner in blue, it's the perfect addition to any table, bare or dressed. And of course, I always have a wedge or two of cheese. I love our Caro Bar Board because it comes with hand-blown recycled glass cover (to keep the bugs away).
Functional to Decorative
I love how something useful like a straw hat, or our Market Tote (top right) can go from functional to decorative in a Marrakesh minute.
Recipe Time
When gathering around the table for a nourishing meal, I love incorporating local ingredients from the sustainable farmers in our area. Summer's bounty is endless and the kids and I visit our local farmer's market to choose what's in season. Their excitement is palpable when we find these baby carrots because they know it means our Bee Raw honey will be part of the deal.
This recipe came straight from Bee Raw, a Phoenix favorite, and I can't wait to share this dish of deliciousness with my friends and family this week!
Blueberry Honey Glazed Carrots
- 1 pound baby carrots
- ½ pound pearl onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons Bee Raw Blueberry Honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt (I like fine sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup whole leaf fresh mint, cleaned and stemmed
Instructions
- In a medium to large skillet, fill 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil.
- Add salt and then carrots and onions and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Drain the water from the pan and add butter, honey and lemon juice. Cook until a glaze coats the carrots, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper
- Add mint and toss
NOTE | If the glaze begins to get too sticky at anytime add a teaspoon of water to loosen.
What to wear?
To be honest, I'm in Maine, in the woods, by a lake. So anything that I can toss on with a pair of jeans or shorts is the perfect summer staple. My personal go-to, any shirt by Frank & Eileen. I especially love our latest, the Eileen Blue Wash (above), the Barry Hot Pink Check and the Eileen Linen Red Stripe.
Thank you for reading along and Happy 4th!
Shop ALL Samantha's Summer Picks Here!
(Images of the Moroccan Riad, courtesy of Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakesh.)
1 Response
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Tonje Borstad
September 07, 2019
Love your summer story!