Is Summer Over?

I keep hearing chatter on the streets of San Francisco about how Summer is over- School is beginning.  As I listen, I think silently to myself, Summer is actually just beginning.  My son said it best the other day while trying on his blue twill shorts for school,  "I am going to be boiling in these because the sun starts to shine when school starts."

The reward of making it through a foggy Summer is that you still have time to do all of those Summer activities that you didn't get around to doing.  Some of which may be planting Sunflowers, taking a bike ride, buying that $98 patio table so you can enjoy a chablis in the back garden,
having a picnic at Dolores Park while enjoying a Summer Cake with Fresh Berries and Whip Cream, eating out alfresco with friends who made it back from exotic locations, the last dive at one of the Bay Area's lovely tree lined pools, sipping on Root Beer Floats, or even better a trip to Napa before the vines turn the gorgeous shade of orange.

There still is an opportunity to get into that Summer shape you have been dreaming about, but instead you will look that much better in your sleek black long sleeves and skinny jeans...just in time for the small bites of Fall's hearty spices.  There is also grilling, but best of all- the last of the juicy richness of tomatoes.

This quick recipe can be prepared in the morning or late afternoon and will sit waiting for you on the kitchen table while you are out enjoying the long days of Summer.

I can not do any of the above mentioned activities without my Tinted Moisturizer with SPF.  My skin no longer likes the sunny rays of Vitamin D.

So, go ahead and get out there and enjoy the sweet life before late Fall freezes you over.


Caprese  Salad  

Serve at room temperature with warm crusty bread.  There are also good whole wheat versions available.  Shelf Life- 1-2 Days

4 Vine Ripened Tomatoes, sliced
1 packaged Fresh Mozzarella di Buffalo, sliced
Fresh Basil Leaves
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Place sliced tomatoes on a plate, generously salt, pepper, and oil, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar, then layer with fresh mozzarella, splash with a dash of oil, and a pinch of salt, topped with basil.  Repeat this process until you have at least three layers or you have used all of the tomatoes.

This is a gorgeous looking salad with all of it's bright colors.  Best when you use good ingredients.