
Savor the last of Summer's strawberries with this flavor-packed meal. The berries add a delightful sweetness to both the salad and sauce. The pork chops are seasoned with fresh ginger, and the scrumptious sauce combines juicy ginger with the plump berries.

When guests arrive at your
Olympic viewing, surprise them at the door with a chilled shot of
Canton Ginger Liqueur. The shot will loosen up shy friends and get the conversation flowing. Next offer guests a glass of strawberry-lychee punch.

When selecting a dessert recipe for a
housewarming, choose a dish that can be eaten on the go without any utensils. Cookies and cupcakes are delicious, but empanadas keep up with the
tapas-themed menu. These tasty, small pastries are filled with berries and goat cheese.

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a last minute brunch. All of the food was made either the evening before or the morning of the brunch. The easy menu featured something for everyone, with dishes that were both vegetarian and meat friendly.

The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in
Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over. Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries.

This Saturday is the
Summer solstice, and if you're looking for a way to enjoy the longest day of the year, there are still oodles of food festivals happening all over the country. Strawberry season is in full force, peaches are popping up in Alabama, and a massive barbecue competition is going down in our nation's capital. Take a look at some of the best fests happening in the next week.
- Costa Mesa, CA: Summer Food & Wine Festival — June 19
- Cincinnati, OH: National Homebrewers Conference — June 19-21
- Brooklyn Park, MN: Tater Days — June 19-22
- Fort Wayne, IN: BBQ Ribfest — June 19-22
- Wisconsin Rapids, WI: Cranberry Blossom Festival — June 19-22
- Norfolk, VA: Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival — June 19-22
- Burgaw, NC: North Carolina Blueberry Festival — June 20-21
- Glenwood Springs, CO: Strawberry Days — June 20-22
- Clayton, NY: Great New York State Food and Wine Festival — June 20-22
- Champaign, IL: Taste of Champaign-Urbana — June 20-22
- Long Grove, IL: Long Grove Strawberry Festival — June 20-22
- Clanton, AL : Chilton County Peach Festival — June 20-28
- Washington, DC: Safeway 16th Annual National Capital Barbecue Battle — June 21-22
More local food events, so .
Source

After enjoying a pizza
topped with strawberries, mint, and feta, I've been looking for other creative ways to eat my favorite Summer fruit. The other night, when I needed a side salad to go with eggplant parmesan, I borrowed the berry, mint, and feta combo and added sugar snap peas, which are almost as delicious as strawberries right now. To contrast the delicate flavors, I used slivered almonds and a garlicky, almond-infused balsamic dressing.

Well, you all know what I'm doing this weekend: Heading to the
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, one of the food world's most important and awesome events. But if you can't join me, don't worry: There are plenty of food festivals to go around. From strawberries and sushi to barbecue and banana splits, the yummy celebrations are all over the map (literally).

If you're a fan of cocktails, you'll appreciate this tidbit just in time for berry season and Summer-drink mixing. According to studies conducted by Thailand's Kasetsart University and the USDA,
soaking berries in liquor increases their antioxidant capacity.
While testing methods for preserving strawberries, the scientists discovered that soaking them in grain alcohol also upped their antioxidant levels. According to
the article:
Colored berry fruits like strawberries contain compounds known as polyphenols and anthocyanins.

I love combining two desserts to make one new, delicious dessert. In this recipe for
strawberry chocolate shortcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries meets classic strawberry shortcake. What a wonderful way to wow guests.