After our whirlwind time in San Francisco, I awoke at my aunt Marilyn's house with a more leisurely couple of days ahead of me. Inspired by our finds at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market- and Marilyn's own garden - menu ideas for the upcoming week filled my head as I enjoyed a cup of coffee by the pool. What a treat to be in such bountiful country, with a kitchen at my disposal while traveling!
My cousins and their kids, who I hadn't seen in four years (the youngest wasn't even born the last time we all got together), were coming for a late afternoon meal, which we kept simple and kid-friendly: grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and watermelon. The corn was the last of the season from Marilyn's own garden.
She also mentioned a recipe she'd found but never made for watermelon salsa, an idea I'd read about and wanted to try too. We had plenty of watermelon (it would appear in several meals that week) and I was happy with the way this recipe turned out.
WATERMELON SALSA
2 c. diced watermelon
1/2 c. diced red, yellow, and orange bell pepper
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 T. diced red onion
2 T. fresh lime juice
Yield: The recipe says 4 servings, or enough to accompany 4 (4-oz.) chicken breasts. If I recall correctly, I approximately doubled it for our crowd of 12 (including 4 youngsters who didn't opt for it) and we had enough left over to enjoy with tortilla chips for one of our picnics later in the week.
My notes: Don't skimp on the fresh lime juice. If you have leftovers, perk them up with more fresh cilantro and more lime.
Everyone enjoyed our afternoon by the pool, including Marilyn's husband, who was happy to hang out with the boys at the kids table.
Their grandma, of course, had to indulge the boys with ice cream (in green cones, no less) before we headed back outdoors for some obligatory family photo taking.
My cousins had to get home, put their kids to bed, and get ready for their Monday morning work days. I, thankfully, did not, relishing a full week of vacation for the first time in a year. My aunts and I had ourselves a late night of wine drinking, catching up, and truth telling under the gazebo and that star-filled sky. Ahhhh, vacation.
More wine, story telling, and California tastings of all sorts to come.
Eggy
8 comments:
What a lovely family! I sometimes wish that here in SW Ohio we had such a bounty of fruits and vegs at our disposal all year round, but then I remind myself that it has made me have a deeper appreciation, and anticipation, for the next summer. Until then I try to get as creative as possible with what I have frozen and stored! And I won't punish myself if I break down a few times and buy a "fresh" tomato from Argentina.
Which one is YOU???? Sounds like a blast!
GG
Hi Eggy! What a lovely vacation you had, I'm so glad you got to spend some great family time! Ask your Aunt Marilyn if I may move in with her? Her house, garden and pool is DIVINE!!!
"truth telling under the gazebo..."
now thar's a fine evevin'.
Watermelon salsa do sound grand, but...I can never bear to do nuthin' other than eatin' it straight! SO good.
Eggy, nuthin' so treasured as family times like y'all have. What a good lookin' tribe.
What a wonderful time! I love nothing more than visiting family and eating good foods.
Your Aunt Marilyn has a nice backysrd. Better than a hotel. That salsa is unbelievably simple. I might give it a try if the Mrs buys more watermelon. I'd sneak a jalapeno in there though.
those kids mid flight into the pool is terrific~ i wouldnt mind a watermelon salsa but it cant be too sweet. I loved the golden salsa with peaches, yellow peppers, jalapeno, onions and cilanto. mmmmmmmmmm.
san francisco is a wonderful place to visit. V's mom lives down in half moon bay. but california people are ... oh never mind. (LOL)
Nice digs, and the food looks great as always.
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