Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Hello friends!  When we last met, it was the dead of Winter here in Michigan and it was nearly unfathomable to me that Summer would ever come. By some miracle though, it did and is now upon us.  And so, I've decided to come out of hibernation and even try to start blogging some recipes again!  I know, I know.  Try to contain your excitement.

First up this Summer is a wonderful little salsa concoction that I whipped up last weekend.  This was inspired by a black bean and corn salsa that I've purchased previously but have never been able to find a recipe that is comparable.  So I decided to try and create my own.  I was quite pleased with how it turned out.  This would be a great appetizer for summer parties and barbecues!

Summer Gazpacho

I find soup to be one of the most comforting and satisfying dishes out there.  Even in the midst of these intense heat waves, I still can't help but crave a good bowl of soup.

I had this recipe in mind since the first series of 90 degree-plus days back in May, and finally got a chance to execute it last weekend.  With bundles of fresh herbs, veggies and a lovely challah loaf from the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, I found this to be an extraordinarily satisfying lunch or dinner on a too-hot day.  I enjoyed my bowl with a spoonful of organic sour cream, but (vegans) feel free to omit this.

Summer Cupcake Baking with Boy Bands

 
Anne Mari and Sarah indulge their inner child during a summer BBQ circa 2007.

Recently, Anne Marie and I spent some time trading stories of our youth (as we sometimes do over GMail chat in the late afternoon of a workday when our minds can no longer be bothered with work-related thoughts).  This particular conversation centered on our youthly affection for pop music.  More specifically, boy bands.

Anne Marie admitted her desire to mmmbop Taylor Hanson and having been forced to feign love for *N Sync at the risk of being an outcast in middle school.  I wanted it that way for Brian Littrell, of the Backstreet Boys notoriety, but also found myself pressured to jump on the *N Sync bandwagon.  We both agreed, however, that they just don't make boy bands like they used to.  As a tribute to our youth, I put together what I call the Essential 90's Boy Band Playlist.