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Blueberry Picking in Vermont

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While on the east coast for a wedding last week, Jonathan and I snuck away for a couple nights to his family’s house in Vermont, which is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. Blueberry picking is big there in August, and we found a stunning place to gather some: Merck Forest. I love freezing blueberries and using them instead of ice in drinks at cocktail hour. Cheers!

Summer Salad with Egg, Tomato, Basil, Cucumber & Avocado

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Continuing in the effort to make filling summer salads for lunch, yesterday I came up with this combo: 2 hard boiled eggs topped with pear tomatoes and cucumber (from a friends garden!), plus half an avocado (cubed) and a handful of chopped fresh basil. I tossed the whole thing with olive oil and a bit of truffle salt (obsessed with that stuff!).

Happy weekend!

x Erin

Cottage Cheese Tomato Salad

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I have just returned from a lovely trip back east to New York, Connecticut and Vermont to see family and friends and attend a cousin’s wedding. When I get back from vacation (usually having spent my time eating copious amounts of bread and cheese!) I often feel like I need something light for a few days. As I settle back into the studio this week, I am making lots of fresh but filling salads for lunch. Gorgeous summer tomatoes came in our CSA box this week and I am topping them with cottage cheese plus a handful of fresh basil and some avocado chunks.

Enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Portobello Cream Bites

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Portabello Cream Bites with goat cheese and garlic, yum! Jonathan and I recently made these for a cocktail party and they were a hit. We found pre-made pastry cups that we filled, but you could also put this cheesy, creamy mushroom mixture on crackers or crostini. I spooned the mixture in to a freezer ziplock bag, snipped the corner and piped it in. They are easy to make ahead and can be served at room temperature. Garnish with scallions and enjoy with a cocktail!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Herbed Blackberry Cocktail

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We have a huge blackberry bush right off the deck, and I have found a tasty new use for them. Fresh rosemary muddled with sweet blackberries plus tequila! Yes! Check out the recipe on my Better Homes & Gardens post today.

Cheers!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast