Labor Day Round-Up

Labor Day weekend is known for simultaneously trying to take it easy, get outdoors, and clean out your closets. And for those of us living in the Pacific Northwest, this is possibly our last chance at sunshine. Meaning: we know that if we don't get items crossed off our summer bucket lists this weekend, it isn't going to happen. What are you doing this weekend?

This weekend I am committed to staying outdoors and off my computer as much as possible.  I'm sure by Monday I'll cave in and catch myself working, but maybe I can commit to at least staying off email for the day. I'm also committed to loading up on fresh produce from the Farmers Market and getting my fill of late-summer fruits before it's too late.

Whether you're looking for easy weekend meals, beautiful dinners to share with friends, or items that are perfect for snacking, check out these delicious Labor Day recipes!



Easiest Weekend Dinner: Asian Soba Noodle Salad with Fresh Peaches
Did you commit to hosting a dinner and now wish you could just lay on the couch?  Or maybe even the thought of getting up off the couch to feed yourself sounds overwhelming.  No judgment.  I've been there.  I've got just the thing. Top this tasty salad off with some fresh peaches and you have an easy one-dish meal in less than 20 minutes!

Best Side and Snack: Blistered Green Beans with Ginger and Garlic
One word: addictive.  Whether you serve these to accompany a meal or just as finger-food, they are my favorite way to eat green beans.

Best Late-Summer Soup: Creamy Carrot Soup with Fresh Basil
This can be a hard time of year for soup.  It's not quite cool enough to start enjoying the hearty, hot soups of fall, but yet I usually find myself wanting something more filling than a typical raw summer soup.  Bingo!  This soup is light, creamy, and surprisingly filling.  And it can be made in less than 30 minutes!

Easiest Grain Salad: Fresh Corn and Tomato Quinoa Salad
I love fresh tomatoes and this salad is a beautiful way to showcase them. Cook up some quinoa, chop off some raw corn, and toss it all with a fresh vinaigrette dressing.  It's heaven in a bowl, I tell ya!

Best Bean Salad: Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad
Do you remember those 3-bean salads that were really popular in the 90s?  Well, I think this should be the new go-to bean salad.  It's fresher, has more flavor, and is definitely prettier.  Just sayin.

Best Way to Use Up Extra Summer Squash: Summer Squash Fettuccine with Garlic Scape Pesto
Oh, the bounty of squash that is filling my produce drawer at the moment.  Are you in this same predicament? Maybe it's time to turn it into long strands of "fettuccine" using a regular vegetable peeler and toss it with a flavorful pesto? Don't mind if I do.

Have a wonderful weekend!