Seasonal Foods for July by Jesse Bluma

Seasonal Foods for July

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

If you are looking for something new for the dinner table, what is in season, or how to save a bit of cash, then selecting seasonal foods is a good choice.  Take a spreadsheet of seasonal items to the grocery store.  Simply print and take to the store or farmers' market.

July

apricots
blackberries
blueberries
boysenberries
cantaloupe
cherries
corn
currants
gooseberries
nectarines
new potatoes
okra
peaches
pears
peas
plums
raspberries
snow peas
strawberries
string beans
swiss chard
tomatoes
watermelon
yellow summer squash
zucchini

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Credit: https://www.usda.gov/

Mexican Ice Cream with Papaya, Raspberries, and Blackberries Recipe

Mexican Ice Cream with Papaya, Raspberries, and Blackberries Recipe 

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

A perfect ending to a summer night meal.  I made a version of these treats for some friends at a small potluck.  These are a perfect size in shot glasses when you want a small treat after dinner.  

Ingredients

Mexican vanilla bean ice cream

(Helados or Michoacana brand.  Or other quality ice cream.)
2 fresh organic papayas

4 six ounce containers of fresh organic raspberries

2 six ounce containers of fresh organic blackberries

1/2 cup cornstarch

3/4 cup organic baker's sugar

1/4 cup organic honey

Zest of two organic lemons

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 191 degrees Celsius).

2.  Wash lemons.

3.  Alternate placing raspberries, blackberries, cornstarch, sugar, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl.  It is important to use a large bowl.  It is also necessary to alternate placing in the raspberries, blackberries, cornstarch, sugar, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl.  After these ingredients are in the large bowl gently pour the mixture into another large bowl.  Repeat this step until the mixture is well combined.  Avoid using a spoon as much as possible, as this will squash the berries.  

4.  Line a baking sheet that has edges with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

5.  Place berry mixture on tray.

6.  Place tray in oven.

7.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes.  Oven times may vary.

8.  Use oven mitts to remove the tray from the oven.

9.  Allow berry mixture to cool to room temperature.  

10.  Carefully remove skin from papaya.

11.  Remove seeds from papaya with a spoon.

12.  Dice papaya into small pieces.  

13.  Spoon Mexican ice cream into shot glasses, leaving a bit of room for the berries and papaya.

14.  Top each glass with berry mixture.

15.  Add diced papaya to the top of each as well.

Serves approximately 20

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Beach Resort: A Great Summer Day in California

Beach Resort: A Great Summer Day in California

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

The Pointe is a quaint, seaside community.  It is nestled in the Orange Coast of California.  The town is situated beachside along the pristine Pacific Ocean, between magnificent cliffs and headlands.  Residents have nicknamed it the “California Riviera”.  The town was established during the 1920s along state route 1, between Los Angeles and San Diego.  Kite-flying, boat races, golf, and surfing drew crowds and residents to the promontory.  Actor James Cagney was drawn here to open a movie theater.  The Pointe is bold, panoramic, and truly alluring.  

 Cooking and entertaining is an opportunity to share with family and friends.  Growing up I learned the basics of good cooking, baking, entertaining, gardening, and entrepreneurship.  The Pointe in the location and Viven is Spanish for living life.  And living in this fabled locale serves as a delicious bakery and idea-factory.

These are photos of the new park, previously a natural park.  The park features ocean views, benches, picnic tables, grills, path lighting, long paths for walking, and rolling land.  Nearby is a dog park, library, and resorts.  There is no charge for entrance and the features are first-come, first-service.  

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Credit: http://www.danapoint.org/

department/community-services-and-parks/

parks/parks-trails/

sea-terrace-community-park, and

https://twitter.com/MonarchBResort/media

Latin Sandwich Recipe by Jesse Bluma

Latin Sandwich Recipe by Jesse Bluma

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

I made these Latin Sandwiches for an Independence Day picnic.  They are a bit smokey, peppery, and spicy for the 4th.  This recipe of mine was also featured in Edible Front Range magazine.  


Ingredients

8 wheat bread rolls

12 ounces paper thin turkey slices

smoked provolone cheese

organic endive lettuce

2 organic tomatoes

4 tablespoons Greek yogurt

½ teaspoon cumin

4 teaspoons Lizano Salsa (a sauce containing spices, turmeric, onion, carrot, and other ingredients)

2 teaspoons organic coffee

Brew coffee.

For the Sauce

Mix yogurt, cumin, Lizano Salsa, and coffee.

Prepare

Slice tomato.

Thinly slice bread, press, and grill on each side.

Spread ½ tablespoon of sauce on bottom layer of bread.

Place lettuce on bottom layer of bread.

Place turkey on lettuce.

Place cheese on top of turkey.

Spread ½ tablespoon of sauce on top layer of bread.

Serves 4

Visit Amazon to purchase Lizano salsa to add a slightly sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor to your dishes.

Disclaimer: no payment was accepted for editorial coverage.

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Credit: Amazon.com