ROASTED MIRABELLE PLUM, RED CURRANT & LEMON VERBENA POPSICLES

I really can't believe it's the last week of August.  Even with my excessive farmer's market trips and making/baking everything I can, I still feel it's gone by too fast.  I surely have not complained about the humidity or received enough mosquito bites for it to be almost September.

Luckily, since the temperature has not quite dropped yet, we still have time for some frozen treats.  I've been obsessed with coconut milk popsicles (1 can coconut milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup and some shredded coconut for texture. That's it.) that remind me of my favorite fruit-a-freeze pops as a kid.  They are dairy-free and almost sugar-free, too.

These plum pops were my absolute favorite though & used some of my beloved new lemon verbena plant.  Not only is the color awesome, but they are tart and sweet, like every Summer popsicle should be.  And obviously the second I see a concord grape, I'm making these again.  

ROASTED MIRABELLE PLUM, RED CURRANT & LEMON VERBENA POPSICLES (Gluten-free, vegan) Makes 6 popsicles

• 3 pints mirabelle plums, halved and seeded
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cup maple sugar, divided
• Half pint red currants
• Handful of lemon verbena leaves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Add plums to a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Brush with coconut oil and top with sprinkled maple sugar (about 1-2 tablespoons).  Roast for 10-12 minutes or until juicy and tender.  Set aside to cool.

In a small saucepan, add 3/4 cup water with a good handful of lemon verbena leaves and 2 tablespoon maple sugar.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is very fragrant and begins to reduce.

 Add plums to blender with strained lemon verbena "syrup" with 1/4 cup water.  Blend until smooth.  Strain through a sieve (or leave with little bits) and pour into chilled popsicle molds.  Leave about 1 inch of room for each, then drop 3-4 currants into each popsicle mold.  Add lid + popsicle sticks, then chill! 

CHOCOLATE-COVERED WAFFLE BITES

If you're entertaining in a pinch, don't fret. These chocolate-covered waffles are the perfect go-to treat for a last-minute party or even everyday snack (I don't judge). I mean, how could you not pair a breakfast favorite with melted chocolate? 

For my toppings I chose crushed pretzel, pistachio, coconut flakes and Maldon sea salt. I obviously gravitate towards the salty side, but feel free to shake it up with your favorite additions. You could even make this snack a little DIY fondue event for your party. Let your guests choose their favorite toppings and make their own waffle bites. You won't have to worry about conversation starters with this one.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED WAFFLE BITES WITH CRUSHED PISTACHIO, COCONUT, CRUSHED PRETZEL & SEA SALT (gluten-free)
Serves 6-8

2 (11oz) bags of semisweet and/or bittersweet chocolate
6 waffles, toasted and cut into triangles
1/4 cup coconut flakes
1/4 cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
1/4 cup crushed pretzels pieces
Sea salt to taste

Using a double broiler (or microwave), melt chocolate chips over medium-low heat until completely melted. Dip waffle triangles into melted chocolate and set on parchment lined baking sheet or tray.

( In collaboration with Van's Natural Foods )

SEARED SQUID WITH SERRANO CHILES & LIME

Some may refer to it as calamari, but I call it squid.  It may be weird looking, but it's absolutely amazing, especially when not battered and fried like many people love.  In fact, the first time I truly loved fell in love with squid was a sauteed spicy calamari from a japanese restaurant.  Obviously, they know how to do fish right.

If you're a feel at ease entertaining, I think this would be an entertaining win.  The dish is quick to cook and extremely delicious (and surprising).  If your guests are more comfortable hearing the term "calamari" then throw that at them, but I love the surprise of turning someone's expectations around on a certain ingredient.  All in all, this recipe is great and you should serve it to those you love.

SEARED SQUID WITH SERRANO CHILES, PARSLEY & LIME (Barely adapted from NYT)

1 lb. squid, cleaned and dried well

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

2 serranos, sliced

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 lemon, juice

1 lime, juice

Red Pepper Flakes

Sea salt to taste

Clean and dry squid very well.  Spread out on a single-layer layered with paper towels to absorb any moisture.  Once dry, sprinkle with sea salt.

Heat large skillet over high heat.  Let the pan get very hot (without oil) for 2-3 minutes.  Depending on how large your skillet is, you may be able to do this in one batch, but make sure not to overcrowd the squid.  

Add olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add squid without moving for at least 1 minute.  This part will be a little dicey as the oil is hot and may spit a little, so be careful.  Let sear, then add sliced garlic, parsley and serannos and cook for about 2 more minutes.

Immediately remove from pan, squeeze with lime/lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.  If you need to make another batch, repeat until all squid is seared. Serve (immediately) with rice or crusty bread, if you eat it ;)