Now that June is finally here (ha, I say finally like this year hasn’t just flown by), I have been in full-blown summer mode, making outdoor time a huge priority, and making room for all the fresh fruit I can!

Strawberries // Fork in the Kitchen

MAY HIGHLIGHTS…

Road trip to Iowa.  Well, maybe that’s a bit misleading.  I took a flight to Minneapolis, then drove with my mom and brother to Iowa (very early) the following morning.  This was all covered in snaps, and a few stories were told in this post and this post.  Main points you need to know:

  • Car karaoke – entirely made up of the very best 90s and early 2000s hits
  • So. Much. Family. Love.  It was so fabulous, and just what I needed.  You know those times when you just need to laugh and be surround by your people?  I had my people.
  • Laughs, we laughed and laughed and laughed.
  • Late night patio fires, Happy Joes pizza (it’s an Iowa thing – taco pizza, anyone?), and the Minneapolis skyline.
  • Oh, and I can’t forget the Lobster Mac from Smack Shack – if you haven’t had it, you should make your trip to the Minne-apple for it.

Smack Shack // Fork in the Kitchen

Minneapolis // Fork in the Kitchen

We planted our garden!  Fresh herbs galore, and I couldn’t be more excited!  Anyone see the mint cocktail I enjoyed this weekend?  There’s nothing like having fresh mint at your disposal…

Mint // Fork in the Kitchen

National Whitewater Rafting Center – yep, we went again! The weather was gorgeous, which I enjoyed as I watched the rest of the group zip-line across the sky. Me and heights are no bueno.

{A FEW} RECIPES I MADE IN MAY…

Ricotta, Asparagus, Pesto Quiche – the perfect quiche for a summer brunch!

Shrimp Scampi for Two – buttery pasta, fresh shrimp, and refreshing lemon come together for a lovely little date night dinner.

Bourbon Barbecue Wings – for the meat and bourbon lovers in my life, this is a winner.

Strawberry Cupcakes – we’re all here because we love strawberries, right?

I’M LOVING…

Wine Theme Park – have you heard about this theme park in France?  It’s now close to the top of my bucket list, considering going to Paris makes the top 3.  My love of wine, baguettes, and France?  HEAVEN ON EARTH!

The Lively Show – I know I shared a podcast with you last month, but I’m loving this one too!  I actually just started it but it didn’t take long for me to love it – I’m totally digging the vision of living life with values based intention.

This dog. – You guys.  I think this Buzzfeed post made my month.

Sweet Martha’s – who knows what I’m talkin’ about?  The most incredible melt-in-your-mouth cookies, that’s what I’m talking about.  And now there’s going to be more of them.  This is just another reason in the long, long list of why Minnesota is the best.

Pizza // Fork in the Kitchen

I’M DYING TO MAKE…

Almond Croissants – obsessed.  In Baltimore there was a little french shoe shop/cafe/chocolate shop (seriously.) and they had THE BEST almond croissants.  I fell in love and haven’t looked back.  This post brought me immediately back to taking a bite of those warm, flaky, french-imported croissants with the most magical almond filling.  I cannot wait to try this recipe and hope I’m able to grow my croissant skills.

Caribbean Rainbow Salad – this salad looks like the salad of all salads, the kind where you don’t even realize you’re eating a salad, because it’s just too good.  That’s the kind of salad that’s best in my book, and Alexa sure knows how to make it beautiful, too!

Lemon Blueberry Pancake Bites – pancakes, in bite size form?  Need I really say more?

Healthy Potato Nachos – cheesy, crispy potato wedges topped with lots of cheese and all your favorite nacho toppings? I can’t say “yes please” fast enough!

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What’d you love this month?  Big plans for June?  Besides eating all the strawberries and fresh garden herbs, I’m going to spend many nights on my deck watching the sun set.  Have I mentioned how much I love summer?  Can’t wait to hear all about your plans, too!

May Sunrise // Fork in the Kitchen