When I was a kid, I was always curious to see what my friends had in their kitchen.
Sugar cereal? Candy? Entenmann’s? Show me the loot!
You have to understand, my mom sent me to school with homemade carrot-raisin slaw packed in 1970’s (brown) Tupperware. I was that kid.
Today, I invite you to explore my kitchen.
Strawberries!
We’ve been eating juicy, homegrown berries by the handful this year. It’s incredible. The fact that these berries come up on their own with minimal weeding, makes me feel… what’s the word… empowered? (Driscoll’s ain’t got nothing on me!)
Not pictured: fresh whipped cream for dunking.
In my kitchen…
… is a skillet stir-fry.
My CSA started last week and I’ve been showered with the most glorious vegetables.
These sweet, Japanese salad turnips only take minutes to cook. I included their whole peppery leaves (which I should have chopped first to make them more tender) and a squirt of fresh lemon. Pretty purple chive flowers add a touch of onion-y flavor.
In my kitchen…
… a goodie bag!
A couple of months ago, I was nominated by Saveur Magazine for ‘Best Photography’ for their annual blog awards. The awards were held this past weekend in Brooklyn… and I lost. But that’s OK. Because the experience itself was worth its weight in gold. I learned a lot about social media and how apparently I’m doing it all wrong, spoke with book editors about the publishing world, devoured the most incredible bleu cheese and drank unique, Argentinian wine! (and exhale) Plus, I got to meet many of my invisible blogging friends which was the best part.
And to you– a huge, HUGE thank you for voting. I know the voting process took some time, and I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate your efforts. ♥
Back to my kitchen…
You know all about my mint. I won’t wax lyrical.
However, feeling the need to do something with my surplus, I arranged the stalks ‘bouquet’ style with some fresh oregano. Just call me an old Italian lady… all I need is a mustache and a pasta pot.
PS- you see those yellow shears? My mom got me a pair (she’s probably beaming right now) because they cut everything from fragrant herbs to gym mats.
Also, in my kitchen…
… is Jake. He’s a Fruitarian.
And for a quick kitchen snack …
Brown sugar-glazed walnuts!
I’ve been craving walnuts like nobody’s business lately- so waxy and buttery. One of my favorite combos are walnut halves with dried cranberries and chocolate covered espresso beans. It’s brain food with buzz.
I threw the walnuts into a salad with strawberries…
And we’ve now come full circle.
I’d love to know what’s going on in your kitchen this month, so feel free to comment below! All mint recipes welcome.
*Linking up with my fabulous friend Celia for In My Kitchen*
Comments
Ruth Napier says
I just signed up today and love your website…..beautiful things and pics and all seem very healthy…looking forward to many more enjoyable recipes here and thanks for your beautiful recipes
Cate says
Such lovely herbs and gorgeous salads! Such a good month for IMK!
Emilie says
Thank you Cate! So sweet of you to say! :)
JJ - 84thand3rd says
Oh those strawberries! Also, I think our mothers might be related – I still have nightmares about carrot and raisin salad to this day. A belated congrats on your Saveur nom, win or not how very fabulous!
celia says
You lost? What do you mean you lost? I voted 47 times! :) Well, I didn’t, but only because they wouldn’t let me. I think you have the most beautiful photos of any blog ever. And I’m SO happy to know that all those wild strawberries that were growing in the backyard when you moved in are STILL growing in the backyard. Big kiss for that beautiful boy of yours! And give it time, the moustache will come.. ;-)
Emilie says
I’m dying LOL. I almost spit out my coffee reading this! xoxo
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Congrats again on your nomination! Such an honor. I’ve been a silent follower of your blog for some time, and your photography is just stunning. This post was so much fun too! That turnip dish sounds amazing!!!
Emilie says
I know you :) Welcome Laura! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment- I really appreciate it. Don’t be a stranger! xo
Maree says
Oh I am drooling over those strawberries, how I would love some right now! Thanks.
Emilie says
Welcome Maree! Sadly, those were the last of our strawberries from the backyard this season. It has been raining so much here, they’ve become all water logged and mushy, although the worms don’t judge ;) Thanks for stopping by!
mimi says
Somehow I’ve quit getting posts from you! Weird! Lovely photos as always – you should have won! Your strawberries are beautiful. We’ve had so much rain that mine are done. My daughter was visiting and bit into one of the last strawberries I’d placed in a bowl, and there was a worm in the berry. Needless to say, she’ll probably never eat another strawberry in her life! And she’s 31!!!
Emilie says
Oh no! Perhaps, your ISP unsubscribed you by accident? I’ve seen that happen before. I hope you re-subscribe and if you have any difficulties please let me know :) Happy to see you back!
That’s too funny about your daughter. My son is the same way; he’s 4 (LOL). We’ve had a lot of rain here too and a couple of wormy strawberries in our bowl, definitely makes for a fun surprise. All good things must come to an end, right? xo
Kirsty says
Congratulations Emilie on getting nominated for the Saveur photography awards, I can see why! I love seeing your bright summer kitchen snaps this month. Me on the other hand have entered winter, and while its a fab season in its own way, its good to see a pop of summer freshness! I do like your strawberries, they do have a way of looking after themselves.
I might pop the kettle on and take a wander around your lovely blog.
Cheers, Kirsty xx
Emilie says
Welcome Kirsty! Thank you for stopping by to comment- I hope you enjoy!
Kim | a little lunch says
Emilie, your photos are GORGEOUS (whether you won or not) — congrats on being nominated! That goodie bag looks like it contains some flavorful consolation. Love your lil’ fruitarian, too. :) And strawberries…
Emma says
Stunning photography. The strawberries look delicious. What a fantastic collection of IMK goodies. I hope you get a chance to check out my IMK too. Best wishes. Emma.
Emilie says
Welcome Emma! Thank you so much! I will definitely pop on over for sure :) Have a wonderful weekend!
Tereza says
ooo love seeing strawberry’s in kitchens! mine’s been full of them for days :)
Emilie says
Nothing beats strawberry season, right? It’s like biting into a juicy, ripe tomato- pure heaven. I hope you are enjoying your stash as well… let me know if you make anything good! ;)
Pam Green says
I have mint overflowing my garden too! I need mint recipes!! Actually I have peppermint though, is that different than normal mint for recipes? I’ve also got a rhubarb plant that I has named The Beast because ever year it comes back at least twice as big as the year before…any rhubarb recipes?!
Emilie says
I should’ve walked down the aisle with mint… I just decided ;) So, I think peppermint, spearmint and mint are cousins. They’re not exactly the same but I’m sure you can use them interchangeably.
You are quite lucky with your rhubarb, beastly or not! You know, I’m a bit of a traditionalist with rhubarb and love a good old fashioned fruit crumble with strawberries. Macerate the fruit in sugar first to extract some of the moisture and bake with a brown sugar oat topping? That’s what I would do. With vanilla ice cream/frozen yogurt (Stonyfield makes a good vanilla frozen yogurt) or a dollop of creme fraiche. xoxo
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Always a pleasure reading you Emilie.. and your kitchen. So much going on! Lovely strawberries. They’re stunning and I’m sure more delicious than anything one can buy at the store. Congratulations on your nomination, regardless of the outcome. The memories will last a life-time.. as well as trying to figure out social media (I need help baaaaddd!!). Jake.. he knows where it’s at. Smarty pants.
Emilie says
Hello sweet Traci! Thank you for always being so kind and supportive. You are a dear friend :) xoxo
Amanda Jane says
The quintessential strawberry picture – your opening photo is so timeless and beautiful! I would love to feature your kitchen in my Inspired Kitchen Series! I’ll email you details in case you’re interested :) xo
Emilie says
Amanda Jane, thank you so much. My kids think I’m absolutely nuts- “Don’t eat the berries, Mommy has to photograph them first!” But they get it though ;) PS- sent you back email today…
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
It was so great getting to meet you and share lunch together during the panels day Emilie! You are such a sweet person and just absolutely shine. Was such a treat getting to chat a bit and look forward to following along on your great space here! Love this post idea of showing whats in your kitchen (and your “fruitarian”! Haha!). Congrats on growing those strawbs too! Homegrown are the sweetest!
Emilie says
Jessie, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you as well. And… CONGRATULATIONS to you my friend! Sending you huge hugs and lots of love :) xoxo