I think summer is my favorite season!  I love the warm weather, the sunshine and the food!!  Once I complete my last Cooking School of our spring season, I always look forward to spending a little more time at home, so that I can try some new recipes, hopefully with some great summer produce.

Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler

A few days ago, I picked up some delicious strawberries and rhubarb.  I have fond memories of visiting my grandparent’s home and getting fresh rhubarb to make delicious desserts.  My mom always had lots of fresh strawberries in her garden, so we often combined the two.  One of my favorite rhubarb recipes is the Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler on www.tasteofhome.com.  I usually make it as directed, but because I had plenty of fresh strawberries on hand, I used those instead of the cherry pie filling.  It’s so good!  I still have some in my refrigerator, but it’s going fast!

Peach-Glazed Salmon

Something else that I love to do in the summer is grill.  I have both a gas and charcoal grill, and I enjoy cooking on both.  I have several Taste of Home recipes that I use when the weather turns warm, but my favorite grilling recipe is probably the Peach Glazed Salmon.  I picked up some wild Sockeye Salmon last week, so this recipe is definitely going to be getting some use soon.  And for a new recipe, I’m excited to try the Grilled Pineapple Butterscotch Sundaes with the fresh pineapple I bought.  Grilled pineapple is one of my favorite treats, and I’m looking forward to trying it in a slightly different way in these sundaes.

Something else that I love about summer is getting fresh, locally grown produce.  The farmer’s market where I live started last week, and I’m looking forward to getting some delicious produce over the next few months.  I’m also trying my hand at gardening this year!  I have a little patio outside my apartment, and I’ve planted 3 different tomato plants, a pepper, some basil, and strawberries.  I’ve already had the pleasure of eating some of my own strawberries, and when I checked my plants this morning, I spotted a little green cherry tomato!  I can hardly wait for everything to get ripe

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer, and don’t forget to check www.tasteofhome.com for delicious recipes for any holidays that are coming up!  I have some favorites for the 4th of July that I’ll share with you a little later.  Until next time, happy cooking!