The Essence of Summer

You know that song that you heard a few days ago that you hadn't heard in a really long time that reminded you of that road trip when you listened to it over and over again? Do you remember when you tasted grape soda and were immediately flooded with memories of summers at your grandparents' beach house? What about the smell of spices that reminds you of steamy days when the odor of the spice factory behind your parents house filled the air with heavenly goodness?

Usually you don't realize that these things will bring back memories until they do. You overload on it, then you're deprived of it, and when you get it again, you think, "Ahhh, yes, I remember." Just as I'm writing this, Anthony Bourdain is eating clams that bring back memories of his childhood. 

This summer, I'm ahead of the game. I'm slowly developing a list of things that I believe will eventually remind me of this summer. I realize this requires distance at some point in the future, but I'm willing to bet that will happen because I'm a sucker for overdosing on something and not wanting it anymore. I'm hoping that since we're not even halfway through the summer, this list will grow, but I wanted to both document it and share it with you. Perhaps you can try making these things part of your summer list, too.

First off, basil lemonade. At first this didn't even make the list because I started early with this one: Easter weekend. I almost forgot about it! But I have a basil plant in my kitchen, a giant one, and every once in a while I lean over to smell the leaves and am filled with the taste of basil lemonade. It's fresh, it's refreshing, and it's a twist on a classic that I think you'll find better than the original. Here's the recipe:

1 cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3 cups of water
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup fresh sweet basil, lightly torn
1 vanilla bean, split
lemon wedges and extra basil for garnish

In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean, and basil. Heat on the stove until the water begins to simmer; remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture; combine with lemon juice and chill. Add lemon wedges and extra basil for garnish if desired.

Next on the list: these songs. 

Next up: coconut popsicles. I know that to some, this might not sound appetizing. Coconut doesn't even sound like it should be a popsicle flavor, but I guarantee you, it is. They're part of the Edy's Real Fruit popsicle line. They make lime and strawberry on a regular basis, and the other flavors vary based on the season. I've always loved tangerine and lemonade, which you usually see in the summer, but they've also come out with a sub-line of "antioxidant" popsicles which look tasty. "Creamy Coconut" is the flavor that I've always seen, but never tried. As a testament to the changing tastes of my tongue, I suddenly one day thought that creamy coconut popsicles sounded really refreshing and delicious. It was the smartest craving I've had in a while. 

Some of you may remember this from a previous post: "I'm kind of pissed at sunscreen. I used to think that sunscreen smelled like coconut; now I think that coconut smells like sunscreen. Coconut has been ruined for me." I assure you, this is not the case regarding the creamy coconut popsicles. It doesn't taste like fake coconut, it tastes like real coconut, and it's packed with coconut pieces. It's milky and soft and thirst-quenching. It's very difficult for me not to have two.

So this is my list so far. It's short, I understand; but it's growing. What I like about this particular list and being reminded of this summer is that I will also be reminded of moving into what feels like my first real apartment. It's coming together, and I feel like an adult. I even enjoy perusing antique malls for some retro finds. It feels good!