We are doing it. Getting through summer that is. August is almost over, then September, and then we will have our relief. September is often the hottest month here in San Diego. I am really counting down the days until fall’s arrival. Until then though we will make the most of it.

These are some random shots from our past few days. The lemony chickpea salad was found through Pinterest. It was delicious and took maybe 5 minutes to throw together, perfect for hot summer evenings, give it a try!

Tonight’s dinner was likely the best I have had all summer. I made this heirloom tomato tart, which I found on Pinterest. I served this with marinated lemon cucumbers on the side. Looking at these pictures just makes my mouth water. I already have plans to make this again next week.

I hope you guys don’t mind the overload of food posts lately. Every year when summer rolls around I go a bit crazy buying more produce than I probably need (though I always find a way to use it/store it).

While I have been complaining on and on about the heat at home, and last week I retired from setting my hair in curls until October, I am thankful for summer for the food it produces. I got a bit of a late start on my vegetable garden, but I have a lot growing. In a few more weeks my garden will be bursting with veggies (mostly tomatoes, really, I have 20, yes 20 plants!), and I will be cranking the AC in order to get all those beauties preserved for the cooler months. I can’t wait. Canning is something I look forward to and find strangely therapeutic.

Last year I canned tomatoes for the first time. We finished the last can around February or so, and I decided then that I would do all that I possibly could to buy as few canned tomatoes from the store as possible. Every time I cracked open one of those jars I was overwhelmed with the incredible smell of summer.

Anyway, I hope you don’t mind excessive food posts. I have been so inspired to cook and try new things. If you have any delicious summery (vegetarian) recipes you are loving, I would love to hear them.

Dinner tonight was roasted beets over greens, with a side of creamy Parmesan-y pasta. I didn’t ever get around to snapping the pasta, because the beats were just too pretty, and too delicious to even consider the pasta.

For the beets: Scrub clean, trim top and bottom. Toss with olive oil and minced garlic. Cook in a preheated oven (at 400ºF) for 40 or so minutes. Let cool, slice, and serve over greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Some things I have made/eaten lately.

Chili relleno mac n cheese. No recipe, but used pepper jack instead of cheddar, added some sliced, cooked poblanos, and chopped broccoli and asparagus.

This-is-what-was-in-the-fridge Enchiladas. I can’t remember exactly what was in them, but I know cauliflower was in there.

Biscuits and lentil gravy with eggs. (not sure why the gravy is such a different color in this picture, but it really looks much more appetizing here. Weird.)

Charred Poblanos.

Black bean salad: black beans, fresh corn, red onion, red bell pepper with cilantro pesto.

Banana pancakes

Mini black bean burger patties for Lucy (ours were normal sized)

Black bean soup with paprika and garlic on toast (recipe from Drea)

Eating kale chips

Tostadas with sauteed peppers and onions, black beans, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Noodles with peanut sauce, stir-fried cabbage, and home grown sprouts

Here are a few things I have made over the past few weeks. Notice how the majority of these dishes use black beans? Yeah. I eat a ton of black beans (all beans actually). They are just so easy for me. I grew up eating (home made) bean and cheese burritos at least five days a week. As an adult I find I still want the same thing, though I do try to mix it up with different veggies and seasonings. Isn’t it funny how we grow up and try (and love) tons of new things, yet always return to the familiar? California-Mexican food is my comfort food.