Mint

The perfect summer treat… tarts & ice cream recipes from Golubka.

If I make this one, it will be for pure curiosity’s sake! I’ve never made Spring Rolls, and blogger Michelle of Une-Deux Senses (who is Vietnamese and would know) says she’s never even heard of dessert spring rolls. She admits the end result is a little odd, but you can’t deny they’re pretty to look at. With ingredients like mint, honey, lime, strawberries, almonds, and mango, it’s sounding like it’s worth a shot. More photos and the recipe on Une-Deux Senses, and original recipe here.

My Mom and I had the best dinner at a Thai restaurant in Pittsburgh called Silk Elephant. If you ever go to Pittsburgh, I whole-heartedly recommend that place. It was the most authentic Thai meal I’ve had since our big Thailand trip a few years ago, and even the mango and sticky rice we ordered for dessert was almost as good as the real thing. So for this week’s recipe, I knew I wanted to find something Thai. Ele from Kitchenist had the answer with her Pad Thai Noodle Salad. It’s loaded with vegetables and that irresistible combination of tamarind paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

(I’m also looking forward to trying this Thai-inspired Mango Slaw with Cashews and Mint from Smitten Kitchen)!

I’ve been enjoying fresh, local blueberries with cream and wanted to share that with you, but let’s face it: you don’t need a recipe for that. (Dump blueberries in bowl! Splash with cream!) If you’re more adventurous, this recipe for Nectarine and Pistachio Crunch from Sparkling Ink looks summery and delicious. Cinnamon, yogurt, honey, and custard… need I say more?

A collection of recent favorites from other blogs…

Top left: I never, ever would have thought I’d love a room painted black. Lauren Bradshaw was brave enough to go there (in several rooms, I might add) with Benjamin Moore Black Iron and Witching Hour. If I ever own a light-filled house, I might have to give this a shot. via design*sponge

Top right: I’m gonna have to try this delicious summer cocktail recipe from Bless Her Heart. via wit and delight

Second row, left: Chen Karlsson’s pendant lamp lets you display your favorite collections! via madame hervé.

Second row, right: I love everything about Les Morceaux’s jewelry. Everything. An early Christmas present? via unruly things.

Third row: Beautiful typography in these Halloween wedding invitations designed by Kristan Butler. via head vs. heart.

Last row, left: Moths photographed by Joseph Scheer. via bliss.

Last row, right: Another image for my “house inspiration” folder. nikole’s herriott’s house via design*sponge.

My stomach is grumbling over here. Is there anything better than a good mac ‘n cheese? This Week’s Recipe for Chili Macaroni Cheese is by Katie Quinn Davies of What Katie Ate, a new favorite food blog. Be sure to visit when you’ve got lots of time to ogle the gorgeous photos.

It’s been a few weeks since we had a sweet recipe, and this Pear Turnover from Pictures and Pancakes looks delicious. The Purcell’s promise it’s easy!