We're right around 100o as the highs these days though there is a few-degree spike early in the week before what looks like the promise of actual rain by next weekend. Yes, please!
I have my asparagus steamer out for processing pickled okra, one pint jar at a time. I have enough for a couple of jars today and I'll be using some of the rest of it to make some fried okra for lunch. It's also time to use yesterday's roasted eggplant to make babaghanouj. I use a lemon press when I make things like guacamole or hummus, babaghanouj, etc.; I saw a short video from Jacques Pepin making a lovely "posset" and he cuts his lemon in different slab shapes to squeeze more efficiently. I don't know that I'll make the posset (it's 1 cup of cream, 1/4 cup of sugar, mixed and heated about 1 minute in the microwave, then add 1 1/2 tsp of lemon zest and 3 Tablespoons of lemon juice. Chill, garnish and this serves 3) but I'll try the different shapes of lemon through the press or just in my hand.
My kitchen feels so warm and friendly when I have jars of canned goods sitting out and cooling. I like to make bread, muffins, and more, but when I'm trying to lose weight the white flour baked goods work against me. I could make some soup, that would also serve as a nice warm smell. After such a long hot summer this hankering over soup and bread means I'm wanting to move into cooler weather activities.