Much to do about nothing....

I nearly forgot that Missy tagged me to share my to-do list with blogland.   Since my lists are long, confusing, ever-changing and, quite frankly, depressing....I decided to make a new list centered around all the yummy foods that I'm just dying to make this summer.  I love blogs and flickr because of the new and inspiring things floating around, but it's also amazing to rediscover something you used to love, but had somehow forgotten about.  That's been happening a lot to me lately.  Many of the items below are things I used to adore, that had somehow drifted off my radar....(especially #1!)

1.)  Italian Sodas.  I was a coffee-bar-gal for a long while (way back when), and I think I drank at least  3  Italian sodas a day.  Or Italian creme sodas...any flavor.  Usually blackberry almond.  I can't believe I forgot about them, I loved them so!  I can't wait to go out and buy a bunch of flavored syrups.  It's gonna be an Italian-soda summer...oh yeah.  And, If you like ginger ale, I plan on sharing my homemade ginger ale recipe soon.  It's unbelievable.  Trust me.

2.) Homemade peppermint ice cream.  Tinted a light pink, of course.  Made with Yoder Dairy milk.  (must stop drooling...)

3.) Tomato, basil and fresh Mozzarella stacks.  Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Dash of salt.  Tomatoes and basil from the garden.  Heaven.

4.) Strawberry jam.  I can't believe we haven't gone berry picking yet, it's just shameful.  We are now officially out of the strawberry jam I canned last year, and the season is almost over.  I gotta get on that.

5.) Granola bars.   My buddy Carolyn was sweet enough to share her chewy granola bar recipe with me last year, and they are just the best snack/breakfast/beach/anytime treat to have.  And with the endless combinations of add-ins, what's not to love?  (I like coconut and chocolate chips. Oh, and cranrasins and pecans....and dried figs.  And I always throw in some wheat germ and stuff so the boys are eating healthy and they don't even know it...ha ha!

6.)  Strawberry rhubarb pie recipe from my friend Kat.  I can't believe I haven't made it yet.  It's  sounds like pure bliss.

7.) Margaritas!  (on the rocks with salt, please.  Thank you!)

8.) Homemade pesto from the garden.  On pasta with shrimp.  Lotsa Parmesan. 

9.) Cherry tomato raisins.  I made these last year with the food dehydrator, and they were the hit of the summer.  Just half cherry or small plum tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and dry them cut-side-up in the dehydrator till they're small and chewy.  I froze them and added them to pasta dishes in the winter and they were soooooo good.  Basically, I reinvented the sun-dried tomato, just smaller. 

10.) Kabobs on the grill.  Nothing fancy.  Just meat and veg grilled, over rice.  One of my favorite family meals of all time.  My mom can make a mean kabob. 

Oh, I could go on and on about food!  I guess I'll stop there.  I apologize for the lack of pictures too.  The camera batteries are recharging.  I always just assume they will run forever, but that's not the case.  Now I will tag a few other people to share their to-do lists (or any list at all.)  Play along, if you can!  If not, we will dance around you in circles and sing the party-pooper song (just kidding.)

Amber

Caitlin

Lee Ann

Felicia

So, just share you're list on your blog, then tag some more people and be sure to leave them a comment or an email to let them know they are the "chosen one." 

Back later with more exciting things:  shirring progress, gardening talk, and probably about 400 pictures of our sweet new kitty. 

Comments

[Amber]

Let's go berry picking really soon!!!

[erin]

you are making me hungry!

[Tiffany Harvey]

You must share some of these recipes, and pictures, as you make them!! I'd love to know more about 1, 2 & 5.

[nice-etc]

You know what, I don't think I have ever even had an Italian soda..no idea why! I should try one soon! and I LOVE ginger ale..real good strong ginger ale. I can't wait for your recipe!! Lately I'm not into the granola bars..BUT if I can make my own with as much chocolate in them as I want, that just might work hahah. And the coconut sounds like a good idea, too!

Amanda, I love making the banners- if you want I'd love to make you one! No pressure, though. And if you have fabric you'd prefer instead of mine, you could send it over and I could give back the remainders with the banner.

[Marjorie]

I just found you lovely blog and have been sitting here with my breakfast tea reading and reading!: ) Thanks so much for the link to mine, too! : ) I'm adding you to my list! It's so refreshing and colourful here!

[Stephanie]

Oh why oh why mention all of that yummy food after I just ate! I am drooling wanting more!

[LeeAnn]

This is a really good to do list. I'll get mine up soon!

[Amber]

Your list sounds scrumptious to me! I have to "second" another previous comment that I'd love to see some pics and recipes of these things----yummy! (Especially the granola bars?! Pretty please?!)!
The items in the list just goes to show how simple yet precious the flavors of summer are---we have to enjoy them while they're here.

[leila]

Ooooh, margaritas! My mom just bought this neato automatic margarita maker that's divine. You just put the booze and mixers into the blender jar and put ice in the top of the machine, push a button and it shaves the ice and mixes the margaritas!! It'll be a party all summer long. =)