After the Rain

This extreme heat has given way to several torrential downpours in the past week. Sometimes they catch you when you least expect it, and you don't have an umbrella or chance to duck under shelter. You're drenched, sticky, inconvenienced, and frustrated for a few moments...

But afterwards, the air is cooler, less humid, and the sky glows with a grey and yellow radiance that you can only have after a storm as the sun peeks through a crack in the dark clouds. 

And sometimes, if you're lucky, you see the rainbow at the end. 

This is just what happened to me the other day, and I found it to be so inspirational and a reminder that there can always be a rainbow after a storm, no matter if its literal or metaphorical for things that pop up in day to day life. 

Look for your rainbow at the end. 

Weekend on the Water

A few more pics from the 4 Knots music festival this past weekend at South Street Seaport. I hope the weather starts looking up for Thursday... Planning a tapas picnic (inspired by a rerun of Will & Grace, the greatest sitcom ever). 

Hope everyone has all of the Fourth of July plans nailed down!

Need A Granita?

So.... This is pretty much the simplest dessert you can imagine, and is the perfect refreshing, healthy alternative to ice cream and other summer treats. The best part? 4 ingredients, and it basically makes itself. No special equipment necessary! 

PINEAPPLE, CITRUS, AND BASIL GRANITA

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cubed fresh pineapple

Juice of 1/2 a lemon 

1/2 tsp lemon zest

4-5 basil leaves

-Chiffonade basil

-Add all ingredients to blender

-Increase speed in increments until all ingredients are well blended 

-Strain liquid from blender into flat baking dish, not exceeding 12" in diameter

-Place dish in freezer

-Stir, break up, and mash mixture with a fork every 30-40 minutes until it is completely crystallized and can be fluffed with a fork 

-Transfer to lidded storage container, or serve immediately and enjoy! 

Happy summer:)