The Little Things Newsletter #482 – Life, laughter, and lots of great food!

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Welcome to the weekend, my friends! I’m looking forward to lunch with friends, and then a very relaxed movie night with my family. We’re finally going to watch the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. That TV show is nostalgic for our kids, and I’ll admit that I can’t wait to see Gerard Butler tackle the role of Stoick the Vast. It’s going to be a fun night.

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Sweet peaches, tart and tangy blackberries, fresh mint, basil, and parsley are tossed together with a tangy-sweet vinaigrette over creamy burrata to create the summer salad that I can’t stop eating.

Just in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve become a wee bit obsessed with my air fryer over the past couple of years, and as it turns out, the air fryer creates cheesy French bread pizzas with a chewy, crispy crust. It’s homemade pizza that’s fast enough for a lunch or dinner.

This creamy corn with jalapeno has become one of my favorite corn side dishes. The sweet pop of fresh corn is tucked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with jalapenos and pairs beautifully with just about anything, from these grilled steak kabobs to roasted chicken to juicy, crisp kielbasa bites and so much more.

After I finished making the 6th or 8th or maybe it was the 10th batch of peach jam, I decided to use the last of my peaches to make a simple peach syrup. I had visions of a peach whiskey smash or maybe a fresh peach martini in mind. And once you have a batch of peach syrup on hand, you’re going to want to drizzle it into all kinds of deliciousness.

You’ll want to save enough of the syrup to mix up a pitcher of this peach iced tea too. There’s something extra special about a glass of iced tea when it’s warm outside. I’ll happily drink tea year-round, but in the summertime, a cold glass in my hand encourages me to head for the front porch and enjoy the moment.

To wrap up this year’s peach fun, I made this peach sorbet. It’s bright, flavorful, and bursting with juicy sweetness. Made with just peaches, lemon juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt, peach sorbet is proof that the simplest

Sizzling Oil Greek Feta Dip

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Sizzling Oil Greek Feta Dip

a shallow white circular serving tray with a block of feta cheese topped with sizzling herb oil

This Sizzling Oil Greek Feta Dip has become our family’s obsession! If you’re looking for a simple, crowd pleasing Greek appetizer that can be prepared in minutes, this is it! All you need is olive oil, herbs, feta and garlic! We love it served with crostini!

Why We Love Sizzling Oil Feta Dip with Crostini

As you know, our Sizzling Oil Appetizer and our Sizzling Oil Spaghetti have gone crazy online and for good reason. I honestly think that when something sounds, smells and looks appetizing it literally ends up more appetizing.

We are all obsessed with the show stopping moment that the sizzling, popping hot oil is poured out over the noodles. So what else could we make for that moment? A feta dip of course! Just wait until you serve this Herby Feta Appetizer!

Ingredients for Sizzling Oil Feta

  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the garlic and acts as the “sauce” for the feta.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic so it ends up a little toasted.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, Oregano (or Marjoram), Rosemary and Basil
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds flavor and a little heat.
  • Kosher Salt: Adds flavor.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Adds acidity and a little sweetness as a cooked down syrup. (TIP: Balsamic Vinegar works fine too)
  • Feta: Make sure you buy the block, even if you choose to break it up ahead of time for easier dipping.
  • Crostini: The perfect vessel for carrying cheese straight to mouth

How to Make Sizzling Oil Feta Dip

  1. Mix: Place all the herbs, garlic and spices in a shallow bowl and mix to combine. Or add the garlic to the oil for a toasted garlic flavor. Spread over the feta.
  2. Heat: Add the oil to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and let it toast.
    • PRO TIP: Pay close attention to the garlic because it will brown quickly and you don’t want it to burn.
  3. Pour: Pour the hot oil and garlic over the top of the herbs mixture and feta. Drizzle with some balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with salt.
  4. Eat: Dig in!

FAQ

Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?

You c

Peach Sorbet

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Peach sorbet is a cold, refreshing bite of summer on a spoon. It’s bright, flavorful, and bursting with juicy sweetness. Made with just peaches, lemon juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt, peach sorbet is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best.

peach sorbet in white bowl on table

Peach Sorbet

This almost unbelievably easy-to-make recipe blends ripe peaches and a bit of sugar into a smooth puree, then freezes it into a light, scoopable treat that’s naturally dairy-free and vegan.

The lemon keeps the flavor vibrant, while a tiny pinch of salt almost magically makes the peaches taste even more peachy.

photo collage of sorbet with peaches

One of the things I love most about sorbet is how it captures fruit flavors at their best. When peaches are in season, they’re so sweet and flavorful that you barely need to do anything to them. Just blend them with a little sugar to help them freeze nicely and stay scoopable, and you’re good to go.

Depending on how sweet your peaches are, you may need to increase the sugar amount slightly. If your peaches are super sweet, the listed amount of sugar should be fine. Taste the puree and add more, if desired.

sorbet in container with blue ice cream scoop

Fruit Sorbet

Fruit sorbets are quick to make, perfect for hot days, and fancy enough to serve to guests. Whether you scoop your sorbet into a bowl, a cone, or serve it with a splash of vodka (if you know, you know, this lemon sorbet was my introduction to that memorable combination), sorbet is a

Peach Tea

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Make the best of the end of summer with this recipe for peach iced tea. There’s something extra special about a glass of iced tea when it’s warm outside. I’ll happily drink tea year-round, but in the summertime, a cold glass in my hand encourages me to head for the front porch and enjoy the moment.

glass of tea on table with a sprig of mint and peach wedge

Peach Tea

So, when I made a batch of peach simple syrup the other day, I knew right away that it was destined for some peach iced tea. This is everything I want in a summer drink: it’s light, refreshing, and just barely sweetened.

Now, if you happen to live in the south, and your cup of tea is often sweeter than mine? Go right ahead and make your peach tea as sweet as your taste buds crave it.

How to Make Peach Tea

You’ll start with some simple tea bags, black for classic iced tea flavor or peppermint (my personal favorite) for a peach mint tea that feels a little lighter. You’ll need this peach syrup, too. You can whip it up right on your stovetop. The syrup is made with just peaches, water, and sugar. Easy peasy as can be.

You can make the tea as strong or as mild as you like, and you control the sweetness by adding more or less syrup. Plus, the peach flavor is natural and fresh. I’m telling you, it tastes nothing at all like the peach tea you can buy at the grocery store.

collage of photos making peach syrup

Another little perk? You can make a big pitcher of it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so it’s ready whenever you want a glass. If you’re hosting friends, you can easily double the batch and serve it in a big drink dispenser with plenty of ice and fresh peach slices floating on top. It’s a great way to add a little wow factor to your drink table without much extra effort.

And while it’s perfect just as it is, I won’t judge if you give it a little grown-up twist with a splash of bourbon or vodka. There’s nothing wrong with turning the front porch into a very relaxed, happy hour at home.

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Peach Syrup

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Peach syrup is fragrant, fruity, and perfect for adding a burst of summer sweetness to just about anything.

peach syrup in jar with silver ladle

It should come as no surprise to anyone when I tell you that I love peaches. For me, peaches and watermelon are two of the best things in summer. When peaches are at their best, juicy, super fragrant, and so sweet you just can’t stop eating them, you’re likely to find me standing over the sink taking a bite out of one with juices running down my arm. I can never resist them.

After I finished making the 6th or 8th or maybe it was the 10th batch of peach jam, I decided to use the last of my peaches to make a simple peach syrup. I had visions of a peach whiskey smash or maybe a fresh peach martini in mind.

collage of photos making peach syrup

Peach Syrup

If you’ve never made a fruit syrup before, don’t worry, it’s beyond easy. All you need are peaches, sugar, and water. That’s it.

Peach simple syrup is perfect for mixing into iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, or even sparkling water. You can reduce the syrup a little further and drizzle it over pancakes or waffles, try stirring it into yogurt, or use it to sweeten a bowl of oatmeal.

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