Tomate

If there is one thing to have a stock pile of this summer for hostess gifts, it is this candle from Carrière Frères. Truthfully, I am not a big scent person, however the subtle, elegant smell of this ripe tomato candle is absolutely divine and the epitome of summer. Since discovering it (when it was gifted to moi!), I’ve been burning it in my kitchen for two months and have already restocked a few times. I love that it’s 100% vegetable wax.

If you’re local, Homeport in Newport, Rhode Island stocks it and if you’re near the Hudson Valley, Orangerie in Millbrook, New York carries it too.

Long live summer!

Nostalgia

Strawberry rhubarb crisp is such an incredibly nostalgic dish for me. It reminds me of my childhood home and returning from school to my Mother who seemingly would always bake us crisp for an after school treat. We had a great rhubarb patch in our backyard — the bright stalks with their robust green leaves still take me back to our time outdoors and all of the days we spent as children being imaginative in and out of the gardens.

This past weekend I baked what was likely one of my best crisps! The strawberries and rhubarb are in season here in Rhode Island and did not disappoint. Vanilla Bean ice cream is a must.

Commence Summertime

As far as I’m concerned, summer is officially here when the Farmstands are stocked with beautiful bounties of fresh produce. After a visit with my sister on Long Island today, I stopped at Latham Farms on my way to the Orient Point Ferry. The peonies, strawberries and asparagus were particularly enticing and had me so giddy for the summer ahead. Small luxuries that bring big joy.

A Sweet Finale

I’ve returned from another whirlwind weekend at Trade Secrets in Litchfield County, Connecticut. There is so much to unpack about the event, the people, and the plants (!) however the annual weekend was a sound reminder of how special that part of our world is. The landscape is so lush, surrounded with lots of farm and horse land, low mountain ranges, historic homes and a robust arts community.

On my way out of town, I stopped at Sweet William, as recommended by a friend, for espresso and a strawberry rhubarb pie to bring home. It served as a lovely finale to a full weekend. How beautiful are these flowers?!