Tomatoes, basil, eggplant, sweet cherries?

It's JULY what else could we possibly be thinking about?

We are so slowly, surely inching towards my kitchen renovation being done!! So close I can almost see the cabinets filled with dishes, pots on the stove, and all the salads I’m going to whip up in this place. The list of recipes that I want to cook indoors is longer than my forearm (which might also be because summer produce is popping), and I am frothing (frothing!!!) to get started.

I really, really hope you love the new kitchen as much as I do.

While the renovation has been fun (it’s like I was born to make decisions about tile??), it did feel like my biggest workspace was taken from me, so I felt a little off-balance, struggling with inspiration and execution. I used the time to escape on work trips, with my latest being to Seoul, courtesy of Alaska Air, so you’ll see some fun sponsored content soon! Just not in this newsletter.

I need to dedicate a full newsletter to that city, because it deserves a whole dissertation on its phenomenal food scene. From street food to small corner shops, to fine dining and cocktail culture, it was a such a dynamic, electric place. My sister and I kept commenting on how it felt like there were twelve different downtowns in one. I can’t wait to share all my recommendations next week, so stay tuned!

Also - this is my formal advice that if you’re looking into doing a city vacation, opt to bounce between here and Tokyo. Rome can wait!

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But while I’ve been off traveling, summer has been working!! So here are all the recipes I’ve posted + am excited about. And yes, they can all be done with our without a kitchen ;)

The weekly round-up!

Well, technically bi-weekly. Cooking for Fun is still on hiatus as the kitchen renovation rounds out, and then we are so back.

Chili Crab Spaghetti - You want a cool, elegant, filling but refreshing dinner? Here. This one. Largely under appreciated on the internet, but that’s because I know people can balk at crab. It’s pricey and polarizing! But if you can get past the price point, make it for a date night. If you can’t get past the fish of it all, swap in some white beans and high quality parmesan for a different version.

Basil Potato Salad - You cannot show up to a barbecue with a potato salad that will alienate people. I KNOW THIS. But still, surprise and delight them with a potato salad that is pesto-reminiscent. Sometimes change is good.

Red, White & Buttermilk Pancakes - while they might not look so perfect due to the nature of….being made on a grill, these blueberry and cherry buttermilk pancakes are my answer to “what is the best buttermilk pancake?”

Cherry Muffins with Salty Pistachio Sugar - this recipe is already going viral on Google (okayyyy, Google!) and I can only hope it’s because this pistachio sugar saves lives. Also, I know you probably bought cherries this weekend.

Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Slaw with Cucumber Salad - I sat on this recipe for a while, not knowing when it would feel right to post such an unapologetic pile of vegetables. But when I got home from my trip to Seoul and was ravenous for nutrition, this recipe just felt right. The smoky carrot slaw is an absolute treat - and it’s very simple to slot into a meal-prep role, if that’s your thing.

Lastly, lemon and sesame Marinated Feta, which is just as good as it sounds. Serve it on top of Eggplant Shakshuka and you’ll have the best summer meal waiting for you.

And that’s it for this week! I hope something in here makes you go “ohhh hell yes, I want to make this.” Because that is the summer cooking spirit, no?

T-MINUS A FEW DAYS UNTIL I CAN SHOW YOU MY KITCHEN BYE

Have the best weekend,

Xoxo,

Seoul_Snacks