A Fairly Swanky Summer Luncheon

As much as I love the feeling of discovering a new cookbook, selecting a recipe, putting together a grocery list, and finally concocting the dish there are nevertheless some days when I love to go to the grocery store, pick up whatever is looking fresh and delicious and just arrange all that goodness on a plate. And then eat it all up with a loved one. This is one such lunch Peter and I enjoyed this summer and I hope it inspires you to try a swanky summer lunch of your own. Keeping it classy also justifies drinking white wine before 1 p.m., at least in my book.

Dill-Crusted Salmon and Summer Herbed Couscous

Even though Peter and I are dyed-in-the-wool, card-carrying carnivores, there's times when he and I both just feel like having a light, healthy, largely vegetarian meal. I'm sure you've felt the same way yourself from time to time. It was Peter's turn to cook last week and when he asked what I wanted I told him something light and healthy. I came home to find this meal being thrown together. Let me tell you, folks, it was perfect.

Summer Cherry Pie

Is there anything more summery than cherry pie? Maybe, but things such as sunlight, sand, and soft green grass aren't as edible (or at least as tasty). Now that I'm back in Portland and she has decided to temporarily bestow warm, sunny days on all of us I've had summer on my mind pretty much nonstop. Peter's had to break out the fan for the room, and I'm cranking my way through Agatha Christie books like no one's business. And, of course, I'm baking pie.