Hello all! 👋 Melissa here
I've been soaking up the sun and having fun this summer... but I'll be honest, I'm counting down the days until autumn! Until then, I'm excited to share a little bit of what I've been up to lately.
In The Wild
I'm just a girl who loves fresh flowers. I recently spent the afternoon at H&S Farms picking my own wildflowers, and it's become one of my favorite seasonal traditions. I visit every few months to see what's been growing, and of course, say hello to their adorable Highland cows!
I made it back home to Florida for a quick trip to celebrate the 4th of July, and my heart is so full. There's nothing better than spending time with friends and family, soaking up those gorgeous Florida sunsets, and watching fireworks over the river.
Summertime means PEACHES! 🍑
I had fun visiting Breeden's Orchard, browsing their charming country store and farmers' market, and trying one of their refreshing peach slushies. They even just opened a cidery! It's the perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon with family, friends, and plenty of fresh peaches.
Peachy Recipes I’m Loving
Sticking to the peach theme, here is one of my favorite summer recipes! Jess' Honey Peach Grilled Cheese is what dreams are made of. It's all my favorites: melty mozzarella, sweet peaches, fresh basil, and a slight kick from hot honey, all sandwiched between warm sourdough bread. One bite and I'm in love. 🍑
Peaches aren't just for dessert! My Summer Peach Pork Chops pair juicy, beautifully seared pork with sweet peaches, savory onions and garlic, and a rich pan sauce, all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Could you Give us a Hand?
We’re interested in what you loved most from Budget Bytes this summer. Click below to tell us which NEW Budget Bytes recipe really hit the spot this summer. We’ll feature the top recipes as voted by you in a email roundup - coming soon!
No Cook Recipe Ideas 🔥
Beat the heat this Summer with these no cook recipe ideas! One of my favorite budget tips is buying a cold rotisserie chicken. It’s cheaper than the hot rotisserie chicken and SNAP approved. You'll typically get about 3-4 cups of meat, or 1.5-2 pounds. I love using my shredded chicken to make our Budget Bytes:
It's easy, delicious, and no oven required!
Tried it. Loved it.
I love eating outside on the patio, but I hate mosquitoes!
These citronella candles have been a lifesaver this summer. They have a lovely citronella and mint scent and can last up to 45 hours. That's plenty of time for dinner, dessert, and maybe a little nightcap 😀
Nothing starts my summer mornings quite like an iced coffee!
My favorite coffee hack is using silicone ice cube trays with lids to freeze coffee instead of water. The next time you make an iced coffee, just drop in a few coffee cubes. They'll keep your drink perfectly chilled without watering it down.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed my issue!
Melissa
Until next time, happy cooking!
