The Farmhouse Kitchen: Good Old Summertime

A song out of a Christmas movie, no less, and it’s been on my mind all week long. Sounds strange to equate summer with Christmas, unless you are a Hallmark movie fan, then you live for movie marathons that revolve around the same timeless (or tiresome) plot, same crisp white snowy splendor everywhere, and little towns that look like — well, look like something out of a Hallmark movie.

I’ve been known to shut the curtains, set the air to iceberg, cuddle under a blanket, and imagine that it isn’t hotter than Georgia asphalt in August outside. But suffice to say, my jingle bell reverie doesn’t draw me into the kitchen to bake a ham, or roast a turkey, or spend a minute making mama’s dressing with giblet gravy. I need lighter fare, and something that speaks “birds and the trees and sweet-scented breezes.” I need something more 4th of July, and outdoor picnics, and eating on the back porch watching the lightning bugs put on a show. So, how about an old-fashioned strawberry shortcake (thank the Lord for strawberry season), or some pulled chicken that can be started in the morning and be ready for dinner without heating up the whole kitchen? And for good measure, who doesn’t love potato salad in summer? This one is my oldest kiddo’s favorite, and I’ll happily share it with you.

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