After an early afternoon of picking apples at, I the Wickham Farm on Long Island, NU, USA, I returned home with several pounds of them. I thought it was the ideal time to use some of the apples, along with a large pumpkin from my friend John's vegetable garden to make some pie recipes I hadn't attempted to make in over 30 years! You could say the abundance of the autumn harvest inspired me, so I got to work roasting pumpkin and baking pies for several hours.

This past weekend, I visited the Hallockville Country Fair, a yearly highlight on Long Island that unites families and friends for two days filled with laughter, learning, and cherished memories. I must say, his air was much more than just a event; it honored local culture, history and the simple joys of rural life. With museum tours and interactive activities for children, if offered something for everyone, making it an event I was delighted to attend.

Today's melon salad recipe offers a delightful blend of flavor and nutrition in every bite. It features the sweetness of your preferred melon, combined with crunchy cucumber, protein-rich chickpeas, feta cheese and fresh herbs.

There is something truly special about stepping into your garden to harvest fresh basil which I've been doing from summer and into autumn. I love the basil's vibrant green leaves, fragrant aroma and its irresistible flavor in the salads and dishes I've been cooking lately.

When summer rolls around, fresh ingredients take center stage in our meals. One delightful combination that shines is the medley of roasted red beets, chickpeas and fresh peaches, all nestled in a bed of greens. This dish is visually stunning and brimming with nutrients. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a standout side at your next gathering!

As the summer heat approaches, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to help you beat the heat. One of my favorites is a delightful combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all elevated by the freshness of basil and mint.

Although I was tempted to try one of their winery flights, I opted for their 2024 white Merlot, appreciating its delicate aroma of white peach and subtle hint of citrus zest. This was followed by a glass of the delightful 2021 Mercato, an herbaceous red fruit table wine that truly hit the spot!

Recently, while visiting friends in Long Island, NY, I had the privilege of attending an event hosted by the American Legion Southold Post 803 aimed at raising awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and BEtheONE Veterans Program. The guest speaker, FDNY Lt. Joe Torrillo, shared his compelling, Buried in the Rubble, survival story. As a first responder, he endured the horror of being buried alive, not once but twice, in the rubble of the Twin Towers.

On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, I was invited to join American friends at an event rich in history and national pride—the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration in Washington DC. The blend of the Festival and the Parade filled the nation's capital with nostalgia and excitement, offering all of us a once-in-a-lifetime experience!