Spin Cycle: Summer Things I've Been Thinking About Lately

Aunt Margaret's Summer Tonic

My friend Shannon, who is now a Manhattanite, but grew up in Big Spring, Texas, posted a recipe on Facebook the other day for her Aunt Melissa's Summer Tonic. It sounded so tasty that I tried it myself, then tweaked the ingredients a little and since I don't have an Aunt Melissa, I rechristened it for my Aunt Margaret, who I do believe would have enjoyed it very much. It's the perfect tonic for the summer heat!

Aunt Margaret's Summer Tonic

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add...

1 jigger of Citrus vodka

1/2 jigger peppermint schnapps

Fill the glass to the top with unsweetened iced tea.

Enjoy the freshness!

 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

 

This is the stuff!

Oh dear Lord is this the bomb! It's a cleanser and a makeup remover and an exfoliator. It's a multi-tasker! They bill it as a "two-part skincare system". You start with the super rich and creamy cleanser, rubbing it into your dry skin. It has this amazing eucalyptus/rosemary spa smell and is not only really moisturizing, but it takes off makeup - even mascara. Then...you move to part two, which involves this cool little muslin cloth which you soak in hot water, then use to wipe off the cleanser. It's just the right amount of soft/scratchy to exfoliate your skin. I'm in LOVE with it!

 

Quinoa with Grilled Zucchini, Garbanzo Beans and Cumin

Yes, I know, I know, it sounds a little too damned healthful, but I'm telling you this is so stinking good! I discovered it when I was on a quest for vegetarian meals to counter the whole cholesterol thing, and Jimmy and I both love it. It's really lemony and flavorful, and you feel like you're doing yourself a favor while gorging yourself. I guess you could make it as a side dish or salad (I'm bringing it to the next pot luck!), but we just eat it as a main dish. Give it a try!

 

Picture stolen from the Epicurious website which doesn't look nearly as good as it tastes!

Quinoa with Grilled Zucchini, Garbanzos and Cumin

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 garlic cloves, peeled

3 teaspoons ground cumin, divided

1 teaspoon turmeric, divided

1 teaspoon paprika, divided

2 cups water

1 cup quinoa

1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1 1/2 pounds medium zucchini (about 5), trimmed, quartered lengthwise

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Combine garbanzo beans and lemon juice in large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil; press in garlic and stir to combine. Let marinate at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water, quinoa, and coarse salt; bring to simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until all water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium high heat). Place zucchini on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

NOTE ON ZUCCHINI: I usually just "grill" it on the George Foreman. But when that is too much trouble, I just sliced it up and fry it in a skillet. I've also added broccoli. It's all good as long as you dump all those yummy spices on it!

Place zucchini on grill; sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to work surface. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.

Add zucchini, green onions, and parsley, then garbanzo bean mixture to quinoa. Toss to blend. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Please try!

 

Orange is the New Black

The bad girls are back!

Season 2 on Netflix

 

No second season slump here, the show is better than ever! I've been doing my Netflix binge thing, and tonight I watch the last episode of the season, so don't spoil it for me!

 

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

 

I know this is old news. In fact it won the Pulitzer for fiction back in 2009. But I just read it and loved it, and I think it would be a terrific vacation read. It's short stories, so easy to digest in short spurts, but also really rich and filled with character, so a serious upgrade on the usual beach reading. Olive Kitteridge is the one character which ties all of the stories together, and she's a beautifully drawn character, not completely likable, but stunningly real and familiar. It's a book that resonates.

What are you thinking about this summer?

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Comments

[ruthless]

I love Liz Earle products. If you like the cleanser, give the superskin concentrate a go. I use it for dry skin, hand care, on the dry end of my hair, to give me a pick me up after a stressful day. One drop and seriously addictive.

[Marisa]

I'm watching Orange too; I only just started watching the 2nd season, because I need to finish Madmen on Netflix I am so enamored with them over at Madison Ave can't to get season 7 which is on now but I will wait when it is on Netflix....anyway love all picks the Quinoa sounds delish so does the tonic but one question where did you buy the cleanser , is it online of did you get it at a store?
have a great weekend- Marisa

[jenny]

Thanks for the book review. It sounds great and I'm always on the lookout for books with strong character development. Looking forward to reading it!

[Sharon, The Mayor]

I just added the book to my library want list. Thank you. I am only on the first episode, season two of OITNB. The closing scene in the first episode got me so mad, I had to stop. Guess, I should suck it up and watch the second episode.

[Janice]

Another yummy post. The book sounds like a great read. I think my skin to too far gone for beauty products! Hope you are having a great weekend.

[Ginny Marie]

Aunt Margaret's Summer Tonic sounds like just the drink I need this summer! :)

[Mommy Lisa]

I am only on episode three...do not spoil it for me!