Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The sounds and tastes of summer

Summer is a glorious time of the year at Mill Creek Resort on Table Rock Lake. It is a time to slow down and get outside. This year summer in the Ozarks started slow but seems to be here in full force. The rain, though not completely over, has lessened and the sun and heat are increasing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key component to summer.  We went blueberry picking many times before the season ended. Our goal was to try as many farms as could before they closed. There are many farms in the area, but we only made it to three this year. Hopefully, next year we make it to a couple of more!
Persimmon Hill Blueberry Farm

The long days and late nights provide opportunities to try new recipes. Cooking is often done outside on the grill while at the lake to keep the heat out of the kitchen. A favorite dish from the grill is the kabob. To make every dinner guest happy we use steak, chicken, and shrimp. One weekend this summer we gave them a nontraditional twist and marinated them in a combination of whiskey, olive oil, and spices. We have found it easier to add the shrimp to the kabob stick frozen with the shell on. Our families enjoy bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms as the veggies.
Beef, Chicken, and Shrimp Kabobs
Salads are a staple during the summer! Caprese salads are one of my favorites. I love the combination of fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Since it is peach season, I decided to use peaches instead of tomatoes. The basil came straight out of our struggling garden. The combination of peaches and glazed balsamic vinegar was super tasty! The kids wouldn't touch it, but did enjoy the peaches with their meals.
Peach Caprese Salad
To top off this already amazing dinner; blueberry brownies were served for dessert. Thank you Hummingbird high for sharing the recipe on a blog post. Fresh blueberries and bittersweet chocolate are a delightful combination. This is a recipe we will use again!
Blueberry Brownies
Time spent at Mill Creek Resort on Table Rock Lake is both an adventure and a respite from the busy lives we all lead. Reserve your weekend getaway and make memories that will last a lifetime.