Friday, August 27, 2010

Summer's Swansong Supper

It seems that summer has definitely chosen to ease on into fall, saying fairwell...see you next year, wish we could have spent more time together...it was lovely while it lasted...and so on. On it's way out though, it gave us two more glorious days of eighty degree weather and being that I was in the process of finishing up my last summer camp of the season (another jungle one, btw), I thought it would be a wonderful idea to make our last true summery supper. A meal that we always enjoy so much when the weather is warm, and the time is short.


It's a recipe I've adapted to our region...the base of it coming from one of my favorite summer cookbooks fittingly titled " The Summer Book" by Susan Branch. I can't even begin to tell you how much we love this cookbook...it's the epitomy of summer, with all the wording and artwork done by Susan herself.



Susan writes, draws and paints all of her cookbooks, as well as her other books, by hand. The art work is beautiful, sweet, and fun. It also inspires a "Mayberry" feeling in me...an all American, old fashioned, light and airy, small town feeling.



And the recipes are absolutely delicious! This is my take on her Lemon Linguini~


Cook 1lb. of your favorite pasta (Linguini, Penne, Rigatoni...whatever you feel like at the moment!) in boiling, salted water and drain.


In a large bowl whisk together 1/2 Cup Olive Oil, zest of 1 Lemon - juice of 2 Lemons, chopped scallions (4), and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.


Add drained pasta to the lemon sauce. Now you can play around. I usually add one package of chunky smoked salmon (broken into bite size bits), 2 oz. goat cheese (crumbled over warm pasta), either cooked asparagus or green beans (boil in water 3-5 min., drain, run cool water over), grape tomatoes (left whole), salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne.


It's so easy...extremely yummy, makes great left-overs, and it can be made in half an hour tops.



Wishing you all a beautiful, golden end to your summer and a warm, yet crisp & lovely beginning to your fall. Bon Appetit!


11 comments:

Brigitte Buxton said...

Jessie, that looks realy yummy. I will try it very soon.

Unknown said...

Sounds delicious Jessica...will definitely give it a go!

Ivy Lane said...

YUM! Looks DeLISH! Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

A Lasting First Impression said...

My favorite Summer dish you make!!! Wish I was there enjoying a cool glass of white wine, and eating way too much of that yummy pasta!!! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Hugs

Anonymous said...

Her cookbooks are beautiful... and that looks delicious!

E+J

Catherine said...

Hi Jessica,
Looks sooooo yummy! I'll have to pick up one of her beautiful cookbooks. I so know how you feel about summer and it coming to an end. I woke up this morning and asked Mike if I should turn on the heat!!! The days have turned quite cool and I've already started wearing sweaters.
I overheard a farmer say that we're suppose to have an Indian Summer - so perhaps we're all in for a nice warm fall.
xoTrina

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I covet cookbooks & will see if I can track Susan's down. The recipe is a keeper, & can't wait to give it a go. Did summer go fast or what? Nothing is finer than fall in the pacific N.W. though, right?!

Have a wonderful Tuesday & thanks again for the recipe. xo

red ticking said...

yummie... i would love that book...and after today.. i agree... fall is ALMOST here... but i am going to hang on as long as possible... indian summer... aaaahhhh i will be optimistic... xx

Maggie May said...

now i must go eat.

Kelley said...

Yum
Beautiful and delicious too..what could be better.. bon appetito, I agree.

kelley : )

24 Corners said...

Dear Friends (and Mom)~ I hope you all truly enjoy this recipe and also check out her other books...she has a wonderful Autumn cookbook, which is out and ready to inspire as we speak (she has no clue about this post...I just happen to love her and her work)!
Thanks so much for stopping by...xo J~