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August 2024 Newsletter

I love August for its warm breezy days, carnivals, renaissance fairs, and lots of vine-fresh veggies ready to be picked and prepared in some magical way. August shares an abundance of bright sunshine, and lazy evenings where we especially enjoy sitting with friends and family on the patio sipping cocktails and wishing summer would never end.

Late Summer Grillin'

As the summer sun starts to set, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and savor the season's last hurrah. We're going all out with a trio of dishes that hit every flavor note. Start with succulent Teriyaki Glazed Salmon, kissed with a smoky char and a sweet-savory glaze that's irresistible. Then, lighten things up with a crisp Cucumber, Radish, & Onion Salad—refreshing and bright, it's the perfect palate cleanser. Finally, bring it home with juicy Lamb Kofta Kebabs, packed with spices and grilled to perfection. It's a celebration of summer's best, all wrapped up in one delicious feast. Let's make the most of these warm evenings while they last!
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
Cucumber, Radish, & Onion Salad
Lamb Kofta Kabobs

Tip of the Month

Cook Steak Perfectly on a Gas Grill
Though summer will be coming to an end soon, it’s never too late to up your grilling game. Follow my tips to grill your steak perfectly EVERY single time, and just in time for the Labor Day BBQ.

Bevvies with a Bite

Celebrate the heat of the late summer with these spicy and refreshing cocktails. These concoctions highlight the season's best produce. The Spicy Sangria with Pear, Mint, & Serrano Pepper offers a sweet and spicy twist, while the Bourbon Cherry Slushy combines juicy cherries with a boozy kick. For something light and bubbly, the Summer Thyme Spritzer blends citrusy flavors with fresh thyme. Cheers to summer's finest!
Spicy Sangria with Pear, Mint, & Serrano Pepper
Bourbon Cherry Slushy
Summer Thyme Spritzer

Product Spotlight

Natural Smoked Sea Salt
With deep Alderwood smoke flavor and a mottled mahogany color, this sea salt adds real depth to food cooked on gas grills, or sprinkle on as a finishing salt for extra flavor.
Plus it is absolutely DELISH on chocolate anything.
natural smoked sea salt in a 3 ounce metal canister
I am an Amazon Affiliate seller, and Very Smart Ideas contains affiliate links.

Plant-Based and Plentiful

Bring some delicious vegetarian options to your next gathering with these crowd-pleasers. The Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish loaded with crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing—perfect for a light and satisfying bite. Beet Burgers are a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional patties, offering a rich, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with your favorite toppings. And for a touch of French flair, serve up Ratatouille, a medley of summer vegetables cooked to tender perfection, bursting with color and flavor. These dishes are not just sides—they're stars that bring a fresh and flavorful twist to any BBQ spread.
Chickpea Salad
Beet Burgers
Ratatouille
"August is the Sunday of Summer."
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Happy Eating!

Gigi
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