Strawberry Almond Tart

So I don't want to sound like a broken record or anything...but have I mentioned how uncomfortably hot I've been lately? 33 weeks preggo in 25+ degree weather isn't as lovely as it may sound. 

I think I've been doing a pretty good job at not complaining too much but there are points in the day when a frown creeps onto my face and I just can't comprehend the fact that I need to stay out of the sun. Add to that picture my undying desire to cook and bake new fun things for almost every meal and my utter disregard for the fact that baking will in fact make my house hotter. 

Thankfully I've stumbled upon this little gem of a summer tart. Not only is it super fast to make but the end result is so light and refreshing that it almost makes me forget I had to turn the oven on at all. 

Strawberry Coconut Tart

Please tell me you have a favourite cook book that you keep coming back to again and again only to be further impressed and inspired by. Because then maybe I won't feel so crazy for gushing over my long time favourite book "Super Natural Everyday" for the millionth time.
I just love how Swanson manages to make such wholesome foods that taste so damn good. If you still haven't looked for this book in your local library I will try to forgive you if you insist you'll go do it now.

Last night I decided to give this coconut tart a whirl, seeing as I just can't seem to get enough strawberries but needed a new form in which to devour them. This lil gem was just perfect! Not too sweet or too heavy.
I think I'm definitely going to make this all summer long with a variety of fresh fruit like peaches, raspberries, and plums.

Thumbprint Cookies

It feels almost wrong to make these cookies in the summer. Like they're supposed to be baked when you're looking for ways to bring the taste of summer to the dead of winter, and when your body can handle a little fattening up due to their rich buttery goodness.

But here I am in the middle of summer, excitedly trying out some of my newest preserves with these quick and simple cookies.

Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

I would not exactly call myself a cupcake fan. Mostly because they're usually too sweet, or too big, or full of artificial colours. Sure I ate a few Crave cupcakes while living in Calgary, and we served FRED/Whet cupcakes instead of cake at our wedding but those were exceptions to my cupcake disliking rule.
I think cupcakes are one of those things that became uber trendy years ago and everyone and their dog opened cupcake shops to sell the most tooth achingly sweet treats. To find a cupcake that not only has a moist crumbly cake that is full of flavour with real buttercream that isn't too sweet or full of bright fake colouring, is like searching for nirvana (ok maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration but you get my point, right?).

But these strawberry cupcakes are in a completely different league. They were great.
Despite how much butter and sugar is in the cakes and the buttercream, the strawberries managed to make everything taste so light and fresh. If you haven't done any baking yet with fresh local strawberries then you owe it to yourself to make these cupcakes. Your friends will love you for it, trust me.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

I am literally eating jam straight out of the jar with a spoon. I don't think I've ever done this before in my life but I just can't stop myself. I guess you could say my first attempt at jam was a sweet success.
Actually I'm not a fan of overly sugary jams and this one tastes pretty darn close to my personal version of jam heaven. I really think the salt and lemon juice are crucial and really enhance the flavour of the fruit.

If you've never tried making jam, what are you waiting for? It's surprisingly easy and quicker than I had imagined. Check out my favourite preserving book,  "The Beginners Guide to Preserving Food at Home" by Janet Chadwick and start canning!

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Clearly I'm obsessed with strawberries right now. Ever since they made their appearance at my local farmers market I've been buying 2-5 pints a week. They top my morning granola, get baked into many crumbles, the lonely sad looking ones get juiced (which sometimes turn into popsicles!), and my husband has been muddling them into some spectacular cocktails.

Strawberry Shortcake

My love for strawberry shortcake seems to have grown with age. I don't really remember my mother making shortcakes as a child (correct me if I'm wrong, Mum) but I do remember friends families serving the dish with store bought spongey cakes, that to my eyes always resembled actual sponges a little too much. 

But these cakes are perfection. Topped with lightly sweetened cream and the freshest berries you could dream of, you won't be able to stop thinking about them. 

At least that's how it works in our house. I don't think I need to tell you who is currently baking off the leftover cakes to serve for breakfast this morning... 

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Dear Strawberries and Rhubarb

You make such a wonderful pair, I hope you two never part. 

Sincerely, 

Your biggest fan

Strawberry Limeade

I know what you're going to say.
It's fall, and you're excited about it. You don't want any more light summery refreshing recipes.
I feel the same way too!


But when your husband comes home with a dozen zested limes*, you really have no choice but to make limeade.