With a full bushel of apples, I’ve been busy making all sorts of sweet things in the kitchen (apple crisp, apple cake, apple cinnamon oatmeal pancakes, applesauce), but now I’m looking for ways to use apples during a meal.  Using apples in a savory meal, or the crisp crunch to brighten a salad.  This salad from Smitten Kitchen looks like a good first bet in steering away from the usual.

Radicchio, Apple and Pear Salad from Smitten Kitchen

Know of any apple recipes for meals or side dishes?  Please share!

{image shown belongs to Smitten Kitchen}

Just found out about the incredible food blog, What Katie Ate.  The photographs are to die for!

{images shown belong to What Katie Ate}

Oh my goodness.  Have you seen Nikole’s (from forty-sixth at grace) post on Once Wed about Wee Wedding Cakes?  These are the loveliest little cakes that are sure to beat any cupcake tier with their style and panache (and I had a cupcake tier at my wedding, but I definitely would’ve loved to have these!).  Love these very much!

{images shown via Once Wed}

Sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is make dinner.  But there’s one meal I always have the energy to make and I instantly get excited for: tacos!  We have our taco routine down-pat: my husband makes the meat and guacamole, and I chop lettuce and grate cheese.  We mix hard and soft shells and always make turkey tacos, but this recipe I am definitely going to try.  Hooray for taco night!

Chicken Tacos from Smitten Kitchen

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With peaches in peak season right now, this shortbread is looking like a delicious way to use some up after peach picking.  How can you go wrong with shortbread?

Peach Shortbread from Smitten Kitchen

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I was never a fan of tomatoes until a few years ago.  They were one of those vegetables that I put into the “I don’t like” category, but honestly I couldn’t remember the last time I even gave them a try.  After sampling here and there, I began to develop a taste for them and although they’re not my favorite, I do love a good tomato.  Last week, I started craving tomato salsa, bruschetta, and anything with fresh tomatoes.  This recipe for salsa fresca (and chicken tacos!  i love tacos!) looks easy, simple, and delicious.  Gotta get my tomato fix now while they’re in season!

Salsa Fresca (and Chicken Tacos) from Smitten Kitchen

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We’ve been enjoying all the fresh farm produce of the summer season and recently had a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal: roast chicken (*I did cheat and just picked one up at Wholefoods; so easy!), broiled carrots, boiled beets, and a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and radishes.  It was my first time trying radishes and I loved them!

What have you been enjoying this summer from the farm?

{for more of my cooking photos, check out my Flickr}

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  My favorite part of the weekend is being able to prepare an amazing breakfast for family and friends.  But sometimes during the work week you have to make breakfast for dinner.  I can’t decide which one is more satisfying!

Apple Pancakes from Smitten Kitchen

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It’s… So… HOT!  The temperature hit 100 today, and all I can think about is ice cream.  This might be yogurt instead, but it still looks decadently delicious!

Coconut Pinkcherry Yogurt (from Smitten Kitchen)

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I just came home from a long, stressful day at work, and all I want are cookies… and we don’t have any store-bought on hand.  However, I find baking to be very cathartic so I don’t mind getting a bit of flour on me right now.  These peanut butter cookies from Smitten Kitchen should do the trick!

Peanut Butter Cookies (from Smitten Kitchen)

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