Monday, July 21, 2014

Wildflowers, Summer Eating and a Winner!




All along the roadsides these days there's a blue blur. I've been hoping to see some wild chicory up close and personal. On a walk this past week I noticed some beside a pathway and took a couple of photos. Such a pretty flower.
 

Summer may not be the greatest time for slaving over a hot stove, but it's a wonderful time for eating. All the fresh produce and seasonal treats must be enjoyed now, not later. Cherry Clafoutis is one dish I make at least once each summer. Cherries are so delicious and these are roasted with a little sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon before the batter is added. A bit more work, but the taste is worth it. Clicking on the link will take you to my recipe blog.
 

This quick-to-make salad has been done twice here this summer already, once with the feta cheese and once without it. It was delicious either way. The combination of watermelon and tomatoes may seem unlikely, but the pairing works very well. You hardly need a recipe, but here's a link to my version of Watermelon Tomato Salad

The winner for the Jord Wooden Watch is Linda Jo. Congratulations, Linda. I'll send you an email later today. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway. 

 

 

24 comments:

  1. Love the blue flowers and the claflouti looks delish.

    Madonna
    MakeMineLemon

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  2. Hmm, I've done watermelon with feta and olives, but never thrown tomatoes into the salad. Worth a try!
    Chicory greens are an important component in Puglian cooking. I haven't noticed it growing wild around here and had thought to substitute dandelion greens in recipes. I'll have to keep an eye out.

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  3. Congrats to Linda Jo! And thanks for sharing your yummy dishes. Enjoy your day! Hugs, Diane

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  4. Chicory was everywhere in France, such a pretty roadside flower.

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  5. My senses just told me it's time to eat...wonder why??

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  6. It's so beautiful xx

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  7. Pretty pictures and recipes! Thank you! And congrats to the lucky winner.

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  8. There's nothing like bringing a wildflower up close to really appreciate it's intricate beauty. Lovely photo you captured.
    I have a hard time imagining watermelon and tomatoes in the same bite. I think I should now take your word and try it.
    Congratulations to Linda Jo.

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  9. Congrats to the winner Linda! I absolutely LOVE those blue flowers--I will have to research them. Beautiful! Mmm--your blog post is making me really hungry today:)
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  10. Anonymous3:34 PM

    Congrats to Linda Jo.
    The chicory is gorgeous.
    I did not realize you have a recipe blog. Thanks for the link!

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  11. I need to try that watermelon tomato salad you rave about. It looks so beautiful. We had a both at every meal we ate in Turkey and to think I kept them separate!

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  12. Lucky Linda. Your recipes look delicious. I may try the watermelon tomato salad for a family picnic we are having in August. Your cherry pie looks sooooo good, too.

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  13. The cherry clafouti and the salad do both look delicious. I haven't made a cherry clafouti for a long time, what a treat. I didn't know the name of the blue flower, but have seen it along the road side. So very pretty.

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  14. Congrats to your winner.
    I once collected chicory seeds and sowed them in the garden, they definitely like a lean soil.

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  15. Congrats to Linda! Oh now that does sound like an odd pairing...tomatoes and watermelon...unusual enough that I hope to try it.

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  16. Ahhhh summer - such loveliness. The food looks simply delicious - I have to try the Cherry Clafouti.

    Hurray for the winner - I just love contests - even when I don't win. I'm sure she will enjoy the watch very much.

    I took some photos of chicory this weekend too - it is lovely alongside the roads.

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  17. You are making me feel hungry. I love watermelon, and I love tomatoes with feta; I have to try them together!

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  18. Oh that tomato salad looks SO refreshing. I am going to make the cherry clafoutis tomorrow morning to take to a friend who is also moving away. (Her husband and mine worked for the same company.:)

    Lorrie I am always so cheered when I see your gorgeous images and always come away from your blog happy.

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  19. I love Chickory, it's so pretty along the road.

    I would never have thought of watermelon and tomato salad, I am going to have to try this!

    Deanna

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  20. Oh yum! Can't wait for our home grown tomatoes to ripen and be ready for making such delicious treats.

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  21. Both of your recipes look enticing! Yes, summertime is full of good eating!

    Congrats to your winner!

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  22. those wildflowers are just beautiful.

    And the food....yum :)

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  23. Thank you for naming those lovely flowers for me, we have them up here in the interior as well and I never knew what they were. Your clafoutis looks delicious and watermelon and tomato salad, never would have considered combining those two in a million years, must give it a try!

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  24. Well that's different clafouti to try - Ilke the sound of roasting the cherries first - will try that next time.

    Thanks dear - Mary

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