Did you ever wish for more hours in a day? I know I do…just about every workday…but I only get my wish during the summer, when the sun is high in the sky, and the days are warmer and longer. I always feel more enlivened during summertime. Maybe it’s the sunshine, producing vitamin D and improving our immune system, mental health, and energy. Or maybe it’s because summer invites us to celebrate in so many ways: family reunions, weddings, music and arts festivals, road trips, star gazing, and so much more.
Summer is also a cleansing time for many. It’s a reminder to put your feet directly on the ground…rooting yourself in clarity and gratitude. It’s also an incredibly abundant time of year, when the flavors of the season are blooming in our gardens and at local farms. There’s nothing better than eating what’s grown right where you live. Doing so feeds our microbiome with the best whole foods Mother Earth provides…and lowers our carbon footprint. This is called the macrobiotic way of living.
At this time of year, I tend towards vegan cooking because everything is at its peak, and so delicious…no matter what you do to it. But adding the grill really steps it up a notch.
Just like all wonderful things, moderation is the watchword for grilling. Too much charcoal grilling and high-heat cooking can have an adverse effect on our health. But, in the dog days of summer, the grill is definitely our friend.
A regular old salad perks up with the perfection of the season’s bounty, but add a grilled peach, and it’s sublime. Throw a bunch of similarly sized chopped vegetables on a skewer and brush with a great marinade, and even the kids will enjoy healthy eating. No matter what you choose, if you pick locally grown fruits and veggies, they’ll be amazing.
Ultimately, my favorites are two items I save just for this time of year: grilled honey lime corn and gnocchi tomato skewers. They are both super easy and really amazing! If you’re looking for a little inspiration, give my recipes a try!
