Basil and Peaches (and a New Appreciation for Summer)

It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I glean complete and total excitement from food. I am a girl who loves to eat. And while I admit to not being a fan of summer, I have to admit that I have been completely enthralled with summer produce. Last night, I managed to snag some locally grown tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, peppers, and eggplant. On Saturday, Dan and I are off to our favorite orchard to pick our own peaches and blackberries. Our meals for the next week are going to be a true cornucopia of summer, and I can't wait for the peach and blackberry cobbler that I'll be making this weekend (I must now close my eyes for just a moment and anticipate its goodness. . . mmmm).

On top of all of this, I also bought a bunch of locally grown basil. I have no idea why, but something about this basil is simply divine to me. It is so big, so lush, so pretty. And the scent is unbelievable. When I brought it home last night, I couldn't wait to show it to Dan. Just the sight and scent of it in our kitchen brings me such delight. Aside from strawberries, I can't remember being this excited about another piece of produce all season.

Tonight we enjoyed it in a Bulgur Wheat Salad with Tomato and Eggplant (a perfect recipe for summer). Later this week we'll use it to make a tomato and basil sauce with pasta, and then--a recipe I am eagerly anticipating--a Peach, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad. Fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and peaches picked right of the tree? I can hardly stand it. I must admit that summer's growing on me.