Nice To Meet Me Monday Series | Virginia Wedding Photographer
So today I am doing something a little different. I know this is unusual for a wedding photographer to share because this post has absolutely nothing to do with photography. I was thinking of different things to share because the first Monday of each month I share a personal post so that you can get to know me a bit! With June starting my busy summer, it got me thinking about what I love about this time of year. I am a hot natured person so I thrive in the fall and winter time but that does not mean I dislike this time of year!
I think the main reason I love this summer specifically is because I have something to look forward to almost every weekend! It’s either a family event, trip out of town with friends or family, weddings, engagement sessions, lifestyle portraits, etc. Honestly when I look at my plans all at once I am a little overwhelmed and super excited!!
We do not have any kids right now, so this may change, but we love hosting parties! I love to bake and James loves to cook so with our combined talents we have been known to throw an awesome party! We go all out with all the food and drinks, bring out our pool table, ping pong table, corn hole, killer dance moves, and of course hours of conversation. One thing that James and I love to do in preparation for our parties is browse Pinterest for new and yummy recipes! We have definitely enjoyed trying new things and sharing our great finds with friends, family, and neighbors.
So today I am sharing a few of my favorite recipes for those hot summer days. Let me also say that these are not our recipes but ones we found on Pinterest. I am usually by the book with recipes. Give me the steps and measurements of ingredients and I will bake it to perfection (except cookies apparently… a story for another day). James on the other hand just needs an idea for the recipe and he do his own thing. He tastes it as it cooks and adds a little of this and a little of that to make his dish perfect. I am just not that knowledgeable or talented to know when something needs just a touch of something. So you can imagine our kitchen when we discuss our methods of cooking! Haha!
Anyways, I hope this inspires you to try something new and if you try the recipes let me know what you think?? These are some of our go to recipes for the summer time.
*not my photo
*not my photo
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
This has got to be one of the most refreshing glasses of lemonade I have ever had. If you are a fan of lemonade and strawberries please try this recipe! Its super easy to make and is easily a party favorite!
*not my photo
*not my photo
James made this broccoli the first time this year and it is the best way (in my opinion) to eat broccoli. I know this isn’t a crowd favorite but if you or your kids don’t like broccoli without cheese (that would be James) then try this out. Its super easy to make and adds the perfect touch to any meal.
*not my photo
*not my photo
Garlic & Olive Oil Grilled Asparagus
This is another thing that people don’t typically like but grilled asparagus goes so well with one of our favorite main courses which is coming up next!
*not my photo
*not my photo
Cast Iron Skillet Seared Salmon
We absolutely LOVE salmon! This meal is one of our favorites! James has honed in his craft searing them in a cast iron skillet. He watched professional chefs, like Gordon Ramsey, on youtube and has perfected the prep and cooking techniques for this dish. Ya’ll its my favorite thing he makes!
*not my photo
*not my photo
Ok now we are getting to the good stuff. I love desserts and all things sweet! This is one of my neighbor’s and James’ favorite desserts! Talk about an easy bake… This frozen treat is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. I actually don’t like pretzels so I will make this dessert but not eat any of it. Which is honestly the best case scenario for me, because I don’t have to add this to My Fitness Pal but I can enjoy baking in my kitchen!
*not my photo
*not my photo
The last recipe I will share is actually out of one of my favorite cookbooks. Ya’ll know I am obsessed with Joanna and all things fixer upper (who isn’t?!) but her recipes are seriously delicious. One of my favorites from her cookbook is her Blueberry Puff. If you are a fan of croissants and blueberries then this dessert is a must! It’s technically under her dessert section but we have eaten this for breakfast!
Let me know if you try one of these recipes! James and I have enjoyed this meal and desserts on many occasions and hope you love them too!
Until next time,
Emily
