It’s our final summer Fridays edition of the year, and I’m sharing favorites for eating, drinking, baking, reading, and everything in between as the season gently shifts toward fall.
EATING
Pesto meatball melts are at the top of my list — melty, savory, and perfect for an easy dinner. I’m also into fresh fig grain bowls right now; the vinaigrette on that one is a real highlight and brings everything together.
DRINKING
All the apple-cider drinks are calling my name: red apple cider sangria and apple cider margaritas are seasonal musts. They’re bright, cozy, and ideal for late-summer gatherings when apples first start showing up at the farm stands.
MAKING
Don’t forget this roundup of apple recipes to keep on hand after apple picking — loads of ideas for pies, crisps, sauces, and snacks. Our local farms already opened for picking last weekend, so now’s the time to stock up and experiment.
BAKING
I’m baking double fudge zucchini chocolate chip cookies to use up the late-summer zucchini bounty — they’re rich and a little surprising. Also making apple cinnamon baked oatmeal for cozy breakfasts as the mornings cool down.
GRILLING
Can’t wait to make grilled autumn vegetables with brown butter bean dip. It’s a great way to keep the grill going as the weather shifts and to celebrate fall vegetables with deep, nutty flavors.
CRAVING
Right now I’m craving a honeycrisp quinoa kale salad — crisp, tangy, and hearty — as well as chipotle maple pumpkin hummus for a sweet-and-spicy snack. Both feel like the perfect bridge between summer and fall.
READING
I still need to read This Time Tomorrow, which has been on my list. For more options, check out my full summer reading list — there are titles I love and a few I’m saving for fall. If you’d like, I usually put together a fall reading list around the first official day of the season.
LISTENING
We made a slow mornings playlist that’s ideal for cool, quiet fall mornings: mellow tunes, coffee-steeped vibes, and a relaxed pace to ease into the day.
WEARING
I’m obsessed with Merritt’s seasonal capsule wardrobes, especially for fall. They’re full of outfit inspiration and practical basics that make getting dressed easier now that we’re back to wearing real clothes instead of hot-weather staples.
LOVING
There’s a fantastic collection of back-to-school dinners that I keep returning to — simple, reliable weeknight meals that are lifesavers during busy weeks. Also, there’s a helpful episode about how to pack lunch for yourself that focuses less on recipes and more on the practical steps of packing meals that actually get eaten.
SHARING
New videos on Instagram: corn, tomato, and peach salad with crispy quinoa; the best summer grilled salmon; a fresh guacamole salad; and blueberry zucchini muffins. Short, seasonal recipes and visuals to inspire easy weeknight and weekend cooking.
SHOPPING
I picked up my favorite fall candle and plan to light it on September 1 — the scent is so comforting and signals the start of cozy season for me.
CELEBRATING
Today marks the unofficial end of summer with this last summer Fridays post. I always feel a little sad to wrap them up, but I’m excited for everything coming next: cozy fall recipes, Thanksgiving ideas, and holiday content. There’s so much good food and comfort heading our way this year — I can’t wait to share it all.
