Summer Primer
This weekend I traveled south to spend time with various family members. The weekend began in Little Compton, with my grandmother and parents. Despite the chilly temperatures the day was bright and sunny and we enjoyed a walk by the ocean. It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner but seeing this glorious site got me totally in the mood.
Saturday evening, my parents and I drove to Hopkinton, where my Godfather and his family live. They recently moved, so this was our first time seeing the new place. Besides wanting to visit the new digs, my aunt was up for a few days from N.C., which made it the perfect excuse to all get together. We typically don’t ALL get together unless it’s summer so we referred to this party as our “Summer Primer” (getting us excited for Summer!).
We set to work on a bottle of wine and while catching up, Trader Joe’s goodies were enjoyed by all. I brought one of my favorite combos: Cilantro and Chive Yogurt dip with Everything Pretzel Thins. There were also some absolutely delicious pita chips with lemon zest hummus.
And of course, Popcorn is always a crowd pleaser with this group.
My uncle Rob, (AKA Napoleon) brought along an assortment of sausages to grill outside. There was Bratwurst, Chicken Sausage, Italian Sausage etc. I tried a nibble or two of a couple and then ended up with some chicken sausage on my plate as an accompaniment to the main meal.
I’ll tell you who really wanted a bite of the sausage though: Briggs and Bailey! Their two Goldens were quite disappointed to be left out of the tasting. Poor pups!
The main course of the evening was a crockpot turkey chili which was phenomenal! I really enjoyed the corn and the turkey meat together. I always leave corn out but it was a nice addition. I think the fact that it had been simmering ALL day also made the flavors really standout. I enjoyed my portion with some shredded cheddar, a dollop of light daisy sour cream and a square of homemade cornbread! Chili and cornbread is really hard to beat in my opinion.
And as if it couldn’t get any better, we also had a loaded salad on the side! This was seriously chockfull of veggies which included: sprouts, peppers, and mushrooms! I really really love alfalfa sprouts.
I was determined to get a group shot and was pretty impressed that this actually came out half decent. I should have been scooching down just a tad more since I am partially blocking my cousin’s face! Sorry Meg! At least all our eyes are open.
After all that food I still managed to make room for dessert. Probably because I knew it was going to be healthy and fresh since my Mom and I made it! I give you the Fresh Fruit Pizza!
This is a simple recipe that can be adapted many ways. You start with a sugar cookie “crust” (just make an extra large sugar cookie), spread lemon curd on top (lemon, egg, sugar and a little butter) and then top with whatever fruit you desire! We used strawberries, blueberries and mango (because I have recently discovered that mango is absolutely delicious right now and I can’t get enough of it). This piece is not very representative of what I ACTUALLY ate of the pizza. I would say times this by three….ooops. 
Aww, the goldens are adorable. What state is Hopkington in? I feel like I have a friend from there. It sounds familiar.
I love the goldens, too. I had a darker golden with curly hair growing up, Maggie.
Fruit pizza!! I forgot about that glorious dessert, yours looks mouth watering.
Aren’t they!? Hopkinton is in MA, it’s actually the start of the Boston Marathon!!
That first picture is so gorgeous – makes me want to get to the beach!
i love the idea of fruit pizza – it looks awesome!
Beautiful sunlit photos! Love the looks of that fruit pizza.
These pictures make me want to be on vacation in Nantucket or something RIGHT NOW!
The fruit pizza looks great! Might make it for Easter Sunday.
What a fun weekend to have you all…a highlight for me to get us through until summer…I love all the pictures.
I always look forward to your beautiful pictures girl, looks like a great weekend was had by all
As I woke up to SNOW this morning in Maine, I wish our weekend “down south” could have lasted a bit longer! Great food, great company. Five days to Easter!
YES! I made the blog! And so did my doggies, and my house, and my family! I feel very important! Thanks Caroline!! My dad will love it!]
@Lee Hopkinton is MA, and that you I think my dogs are adorable to!!
How fun! What a beautiful setting, too…it looks so picturesque and what I imagine as “east coast” in my mind. Gorgeous.
I also LOVE alfalfa sprouts and fruit pizza…up there in my top foods.
Oh my gosh, that fresh fruit pizza looks AMAZING!!! I’m glad you got ready for summer this weekend even though it was so freezing, better than the weather today so I won’t complain about it
The lighting in this post is amazing–i’m soooo excited for summer!!
And I absolutely adore the idea of this dinner party! Starting with tj’s pretzel slims, some dips, and popcorn…and ending with a fruit pizza?! Ahh, that sound so perfect.
Glad to be the catalyst for such a great event! Good food + good people = great fun!!! Let the summer begin!
yay boston!!
ummm I am slightly obsessed with the idea of the fruit pizza!!
Hi Caroline!!
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog! I agree, we do have a lot in common! Another things we have in common: We are both health nuts and still eat meat! And PS..that fruit pizza looks amazing!! I’m excited to read more of your blog!
I love the idea of a summer primer! I can’t believe it’s getting so close. i’ll be home before I know it.
Fruit pizza, swoon!
Ummmmmmmm, fresh fruit pizza? You’re a genius. That looks and soiunds like it would be astoundingly good.
There really is nothing more comforting than homemade chili and cornbread when the temperatures are still brisk.
Looks like you had a lovely weekend with family in a wonderfully tranquil setting!
Your fruit pizza looks amazing! And I just love pretzel thins.
I love Little Compton! Visiting Sakonnet Vineyards is one of my favorite things to do!
Looks like you guys had a great time! And great food as well