After much heat and haze this summer, we have finally been enjoying a few cooler days. This often happens here in New England come August. A day dawns when the cool touch of distant autumn can be felt ...
"This was one of those perfect New England days in late summer where the spirit of autumn take a first stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders." ~ Sarah Orne Jewett, 1887
These days are wonderful for enjoying the garden ~ and happily, I've been invited to a summer garden party at Donna Marie's! I'd like to think this is the kind of weather we'd enjoy! I will take my garden hat, of course, because the sun will be bright, but perhaps a shawl as well - for the party will last late into the cool starry evening. I'm sure we'll want to linger over the delicious food and pleasant conversation. :)
Now, what shall I bring? Well, for starters, I will fill a crystal jug with refreshing Cherry Blossom Punch. This delicious drink has no caffeine and really quenches our summer thirst. Wouldn't a few rose petals be pretty floating on top?
I will also bring a tray of fragrant Peach Muffins. I will use fresh ripe peaches we've picked at the farm and follow my favorite Mix-and-Match recipe to turn out a few dozen warm soft muffins. I'll use a combination of chopped peaches and peach butter to bake in that extra moistness. I'll place them in a basket lined with crisp cotton linen and tuck in a crock of honey butter. (For the spread, I'll start with softened organic butter and mix in locally produced honey - a late summer delight! We even like it on corn!)
And if my lavender is plentiful, I'll whip up some Lavender Faerie Cookies before I go - don't they sound just right for a warm summer night?
"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." Celia Thaxter
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