Fig and Friends Emoji

My dear friend brought me a lovely bowl of figs this morning. I missed him, so he left them on the porch. What better way to say thank you than with a personal emoji of surprise and delight. Thanks Mac! You're the best.

Watermelon. A Slice of Summer Nostalgia.

As summer wanes, I get a little nostalgic about watermelon. It's a staple in the fridge throughout the season; and since it's 92% water, it keeps me hydrated. It's definitely thirst quenching on hot summer days. When I am not hungry, it's a perfect energy snack with a light boost of sweetness. With only 6% sugar, one slice is all you need to wet your whistle.

It's no wonder watermelons were left as food in the tombs of the Egyptians to nourish the dead in the afterlife; it
refreshes you and brings you back to life.

The word watermelon first appeared in the English dictionary in 1615 but the vegetable, commonly thought of as a fruit, has been cultivated since the second millennium BC.

TIP: Don't toss the rind! Pickle it, or put it into a blender for a super nutrition advantage in your smoothie or favorite beverage.

Fruit. Edible Decoration.

One of the delights of summer fruit is their artful perfection. When you feast your eyes on the vast variety of fruit in your market don't just think of them as food. Think of them as edible decoration.

Bring home a variety and use them as centerpieces for your table; allow them to ripen naturally. The sweet aroma fills the room with the scent of summer until you are ready to eat them. Unlike most flowers, fruit is a beautiful decor accent that you can eat. Their natural beauty brightens up your space. Any time you bring nature inside you enhance everything.

In addition to enjoying them as they are, baking them, adding them into prepared dishes, turning them into a sauce or jam, making smoothies, a fruit dessert, or topping ice creme—I like to squeeze the juice on some lovely salad greens for a light, fresh dressing or spritz a little into my water.

Before the season is over, buy them now. Get canning, or cut them up and freeze them to enjoy year round.