A Southern Grace: it's so hard to say goodbye

September 11, 2015

it's so hard to say goodbye

Yum

I can't help but feel somewhat agitated by all the pumpkin recipes I'm already seeing*. It's still summer, folks! Please don't wish it away before it's over!

*I blame Starbucks completely a little--this pumpkin spice latte craze is madness indeed.


Obviously, my dislike of foods heavily featuring pumpkin as an ingredient might have a little something to do with my frustration in this, but that's neither here nor there. I'm determined to continue basking in summer, and while our tomato and pepper plants are still producing, I shall continue to make summer recipes (whether any pumpkin-lovers and summer-haters out there like it or not).


As summer recipes go (or any recipes, for that matter), this is a good one---it's fresh and flavorful, nutritious and delicious. Even though our attempt to grow corn was a total failure, I've been buying it regularly; our favorite way to eat it is simply grilled, buttered, and salted. I took the kernels from an uneaten ear and added them to some of our cherry tomatoes and peppers (among other things) for a light and refreshing summer salad.

Say goodbye if you want, but I'm hanging on to summer until I can't hang any longer!

Still Summer!! September Salad
(printable recipe)
Ingredients:
  • 1 ear of corn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup grapes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Directions:
Clean your ear of corn and place it directly on a hot grill or grill pan and turn occasionally, until the kernels are properly charred. You can also do this under the broiler, but stay close! When the corn has cooled, cut it off of the cob.
In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, halved tomatoes and grapes, and chopped pepper.
Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and cumin and mix until all of the veggies (and fruit) are properly coated in the dressing.
Refrigerate for at least an hour for best results.

21 comments:

Kate @ Framed Cooks said...

This is the perfect summer salad (and summer isn't over until we SAY it's over!) - love the char on the corn!

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

Oh, how I agree with you! I even put a message up on my blog to cool it with the pumpkins! And of all things, roasted cherry tomatoes have been on my radar for the past few weeks. They are so tasty, and this salad looks absolutely perfect to eat while I sulk about all these pumpkins being tossed around! Happy seashell days to you!

Leslie Anne

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Grace, I agree it's getting a little crazy, yesterday at the grocery store I saw skelatons and Halloween stuff (sigh!) Anyway, beautiful salad, screams summer to me!

Gloria Baker said...

Look delicious Grace !!!

Pam said...

I know you will think this is awful, but I love all things pumpkin and I am so glad fall is nearly here. I am over the heat!

This salad looks delicious - I love everything about it!

Marsha @ Marsha's Baking Addiction said...

Looks delicious! I don't mind all these autumn recipes, I love trying new things!

Elsa | the whinery said...

I'm trying to hang on to summer too, but fall seems to be winning. I love that salad! It looks delicious, simple and full of yummy things - I need to try it soon, like in the next week or so... because, you know... FALL!!!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Haha... I agree with holding on! We planted another round of lettuce, spinach, and radishes to keep those summer flavors coming as long as we can. But... I also have a huge crop of winter squash ready to come in, so I think we are going to be somewhat divided!

Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder said...

Not a pumpkin fan (gasp)

Your title made me thing of that Dreamgirls (the musical/movie) song haha. It's still summer here in TX!

Marjie said...

Given the weather, there's nothing wrong with Summer In September.

Ally said...

This looks great! It's been 103 degrees here in Sac this week and pumpkin stuff is the last thing on my mind. I think I'll make some of this salad this weekend!

Marcela said...

Oh come on... fall's gonna be awesome as well! :D:D:D Think about all that lovely warming soups you're gonna make !:D

Kathy Walker said...

We are still into hot, hot summer! Can't wait for some rain and hope it is soon to help put out the fires.....

So, I am onboard with a fresh and light salad!

Joanne said...

I am definitely still in full on summer mode! This would hit the spot.

Beth said...

I love cooking for summer as long as I can, but I must admit I've started into the butternut squash....

Erica said...

My kind of salad, Grace! It loos so fresh and delicious!

Abby said...

Growing your own corn? Pshaw (says almost every Southerner who ever tried). That's what God invented farmers markets for. I had my first PSL of the season yesterday. And now I want another one. And another. When the humidity breaks I'm ready for fall!

Beauty said...

I can't wait anymore for this summer salad. I need to make this delicious salad. Thanks for your presentation of this salad recipes. Watch out our blog for Quality Salad Recipes. By the way I hope you will make more & more delicious unique recipes like this salad recipes.

Katina said...

Fall is my favorite season, and I love pumpkin everything. So in order to get a full 3 months out of it, as I am determined to do, the decorating and pumpkin flavors begin with September. Living in Texas, it may be 103 outside, but that just means the brown grass makes it "look" more like fall, at least. ;)

~~louise~~ said...

I'm with you Grace! I don't have anything against Pumpkins or Fall for that matter but, I'm getting a little annoyed with hearing Fall is here, blah, blah, blah. Technically, isn't it still Summer?

LOVE this salad! The touch of charred corn is perfect. I've been on a roasted corn kick the past couple of weeks so, I may just toss it in a salad!

Thanks for sharing, Grace...

I Wilkerson said...

I wish I could tell myself (convincingly) it is still summer. But we hit a low of 48 last night, so I reluctantly (cover your ears) pulled out the winter jammies. This way I can avoid turning on the heat--in which case it's still summer, right? Your salad would be perfect for a late summer picnic!