The Night Fog

Growing up in Southern California, I have distinct memories of hot, restless summer nights. With all of my windows open, and one sheet loosely draped over my legs, I would eventually fall asleep to the cricket's song. This year is the first summer in which I've experience no summer at all. It is hard for me to fathom. The calendar reads July, but outside the fog is quick-moving and thick. In August I grew accustomed to wearing three layers minimum, always having my toes covered, plus sporting the same long coat each day. I've learned not to let those few clear-sky days fool me. If the sun is out, even in the Richmond District, I know it won't be warm when I return home that evening.

Without having a real summer I try to make believe one exists every once in a while. Sometimes I'll go outside wearing sandals and a sunhat, fully aware of the inevitable suffering the night fog will bring upon my return home.

*This photo was taken by Andrea in the Richmond District on an August night. 

Picnic Perfect

(How jealous am I of that portable picnic record player. Photo by Frolic.)

Happy July 1st! How can you have a lovely picnic? It's easy. All you need is preparation and a willingness to have a nice time with friends. Get over your laziness and do something fun!

For my picnic yesterday I made asparagus, goat cheese, lemon, tarragon pasta. I found the recipe from Smitten Kitchen here. It's incredibly simple. The only problem is that the asparagus and goat cheese cost a bit more than you may be willing to spend if on a budget. Still, it's entirely worth it. I made a pound of tasty pasta for eleven dollars. I served it cold.

For dessert, you've got to try this strawberry-rhubarb pie. It screams summer with bright pink and red strawberry juice that will stain your clothes. I improvised at the last second by making two pies instead of one. Since I only prepared enough dough for one pie I ended up not having a pie crust for the tops. It turned out fine, though it might not win a beauty pie contest. I was worried that the filling was too juicy and would make the crust saggy, not to mention challenging to eat. But after the first bite I knew that it turned out precisely perfect. I would only recommend toning down the sugar suggested in the recipe. The strawberries surely suffice as an added sweetness. Make it here. You'll want to prep the dough the night before. It's super easy and makes for a very worthy crust. You can read up on the dough recipe here.

(That's my strawberry-rhubarb pie.)