Few things feel more summery to me than eating ripe cherries warmed by the sun. My absolutely favorite variety is Rainier, a cross between Bing and Van cultivars, developed at Washington State University in 1952 by a chap named Harold Fogle. They are shiny, juicy and so doggone pretty, I’m absolutely smitten.
Summer also brings out other lovely things, like icy glasses of limoncello, so beautifully yellow and lip-puckeringly lemony. I do love a glass on a hot summer’s eve clustered around the grill with friends, which is where I was last night, visiting with my folks and dear friends Art and Donna, watching Art work his magic on the grill.
Although the original plan was for Kansas-style ribs, Art surprised us with Tuscan-Rubbed Salmon instead. There was nary a complaint in the house as we saw the spice-crusted fillets sizzle and smoke deliciously on the grill. Served with Donna’s fabulous grilled zucchini and buttered carrots, the salmon was tender, flavorful and smooth as silk on the tongue.
Art and Donna warned us to save room for dessert and boy, were we glad we did! Bright blue plates arrived bearing peach pie topped with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of fresh berries. Fantastic! It was a beautiful way to celebrate our fashionably late summer.
What is your favorite summer dessert?
Art’s Tuscan-Rubbed Salmon
(From Relish Mag)
Ingredients:
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground fennel
1 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
4 6-ounce salmon fillets
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Prepare grill.
- Combine all ingredients except salmon and olive oil in a bowl.
- Brush each salmon fillet with about 1 tsp olive oil
- Press spice mixture on skinless side of salmon. Let stand 15 minutes.
- Place salmon skin side up on grill grate. Cover grill. Cook over high heat about 3 minutes. Flip and cook, skin side down, 5 more minutes or until done but still red in center.
The salmon sounds phenomenal. I have salmon in the freezer and am looking forward to giving this a try. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary
It really was, Mary! So flavorful and juicy and tender. Delish. 🙂
What gorgeous food! That salmon looks to die for!
Cheers,
Rosa
I would love this salmon with these spices in particular! As for limoncello, I have never had it but now feel a hankering for it (that’s what your shots do to me!)
Thanks, Rosa! It was absolutely delicious. 🙂 My friend is a fabulous cook. 🙂
Aren’t the spices a fabulous blend, Joumana! Mmmm, I loved it!
I’m happy my picture makes you want limoncello. 🙂 It’s so wondrously summery!
It all looks delicious! I would be hard pressed to come up with a favourite dessert but lemon would have to be in there somewhere.
I’m not about to say I don’t like ribs, but I have to tell you, this salmon looks wonderful! What a super rub!
And you can’t beat a peach pie right now, either.
These are really fabulous photos!
I’ve used limoncello in lots of fruit dishes and serveral drink mixes but must admit I’ve never had a glass of it plain. I have a bottle and will chill it and have a glass tonight!
What a lovely post! All those beautiful pictures made me all happy. 🙂
I hear ya, Val! It’s so hard to choose because for me it all depends on mood. 🙂 I do love lemony things too. 🙂
Isn’t that rub lovely, Barbara? Art did such a good job. 🙂 I’m so glad you like the photos and hope you enjoyed your first glass of limoncello. 🙂
Thank you, Sook! I’m so glad you like them. 🙂
Hi Krista Nice to hear from you Your photos look great. very inviting… makes my snaps look very much like the amateur I am.
That salad looks yummy.
love the dessert! YUMMMS!!!
jen
Wow, the salmon is mouthwatering as is that dessert! I want this for dinner!
Good Gracious!! Could you have made those berries look any more appealing?!?! I feel like I could reach out and grab one! Seriously, great looking stuff!
Thank you, Gilli! Trust me, I’m an amateur too. Just learning as I go. 🙂
Thank you, Matt! It’s really good. 🙂
Me too, Jen!!! Mmmm, SO good. 🙂
I agree, Jamie! Deeeelicious 🙂
Oh, thank you, Sinful Southern! You made my day. 🙂