Mojito Melon Summer Salad

As I plan for the Fourth of July, I always take into account the heat and the festivities. Usually, I’m at the lake with our large extended family boating and skiing and sharing our favorite foods.

No surprise to you I’m sure, this year’s itinerary looks a little different. There won’t be any large crowds – no big potlucks. But all those changes make it even more important to make some yummy recipes that commemorate the holiday.

I can’t think of a better mood lifter than this cooling, simple Mojito Melon Summer Salad. There’s no cooking required, just some chopping and slicing. This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated AND it can set out at room temperature without worry of spoiling (2 essential components to summer cooking in my opinion).

Another bonus? This recipe works well for underripe and ripe melons alike, thanks to all the added garnishes. Honey, mint, lime, red onion, queso fresco and jalapeño peppers add that perfect balance of ‘sweet, salty, heat’ and are sure to make even the most bland melon extra tasty!

(left to right) jalapeño, red onion, mint leaves, lime and queso fresco

2 simple steps :

There are 2 steps to this recipe, first prepare your ‘salad ingredients’. Slice and cube watermelon and cantaloupe (removing the seeds of the cantaloupe).

Zest the lime and then thinly slice lime, jalapeño, mint and red onion.

Arrange the Mojito Melon salad ingredients on a large platter (as pictured below), saving the mint + lime zest for garnish.

Next, measure out the Mojito Melon dressing ingredients : honey + olive oil.

Drizzle the honey and olive oil over the salad, sprinkle with cheese, mint and lime zest. Finish it all off with a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper and some flaky sea salt.

Chill or serve immediately.

the perfect summer salad

The flaky sea salt & salty queso fresco are a wonderful addition to all of these ingredients, really waking up that summer melon flavor. As the salad sits, the juices of the melons mingle with salt, olive oil and honey and essential oils from the mint and lime in such a delicious way. The jalapeño gives the perfect whisper of warm. I think this really is the perfect summer salad.

Mojito Melon Summer Salad

• 4 c cubed watermelon, 1″- 1 1/2″ cubes
• 2 c cubed cantaloupe, 1/2″ cubes
• 1/2 lime thinly sliced and quartered
• 1/2 – 1/4 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 T honey
• 2 T olive oil
• 1/2 lime zested
• 1 T mint, chiffonade
• 1/4 c queso fresco, crumbled
• flaky sea salt + cracked black pepper to taste

Arrange the first 5 ingredients on a large platter (as pictured above).

Drizzle honey and olive oil over the salad.

Sprinkle lime zest, mint and queso fresco over the salad. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.

Can be refrigerated over night or served immediately.

Serves 6

Check out a few more summer salad recipes from Food for a Year and Sinkology : Panzanella + Citrus Mango Slaw + Summer Spinach Summer Salad

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We’re Feeling the Summer VIBES

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Summer is here and we are ready to soak up some fun…in the sink, that is. We’ve all been cooped up and stuck staring at our monotone kitchens for far too long. Don’t get us wrong, we love the simple look of an all-white, neutral kitchen complete with a farmhouse fireclay sink. But this summer, we say it’s time to bring vacation to the home.

We know you already love the look of farmhouse sinks and the reliability of fireclay. In fact, this is one of our most popular combos. It’s perfect for family gatherings and staycations alike with its classic, clean shape and a durability that can withstand rounds of after-party cleanup. Now, with the VIBE Color Collection by Sinkology you can set the tone with a pop of color, inspired by your favorite moments.

Our customers’ favorite fireclay sinks, the Bradstreet II and the Josephine, come in an array of colors that will bring vacation vibes to your home all year. These fresh summer shades will never bore or disappoint. Instead, they’ll set the tone for the vacation vibe you’re looking for.

Now, you just have to decide on where you want to go.

Are you dreaming of beach days? Then Oceanside Matte Blue is for you. Its sea blue shade brings an unexpected oceanfront view to even suburban oases. At every wash, you’ll be transported to the coasts, away from the stressors of your everyday. Even the busiest of kitchens will feel a breezy tranquility with Oceanside Matte Blue.

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Or, are you more of a backyard bonfire kind of person? If so, go for Summer Night Matte Black. Like the warm, starlit evenings of the season, this deep shade is softened with a matte finish. Summer Night Matte Black is the collection’s most modern of all, bringing a mysterious coziness indoors.

Or, are you looking for something that will pair well with everyone and everything? Then it’s time for Block Party Matte Gray. Inspired by summer streets where beloved block party memories are made, this color brings the most subtle shift to your current kitchen with a modern neutral. Like the comfort of neighbors and friends, Block Party Matte Gray is a natural addition to your home.

This summer, we invite you to make summer memories with unforgettable sink shades. It’s time to bring in a splash of color to your kitchen sink with the VIBE Color Collection by Sinkology. As a focal point or as a seamless transition from blue, gray, or black countertops to sink, this summer is sure to be beautiful. And, with the time-tested durability of fireclay paired with the functionality of an apron front farmhouse style shape, you’ll continue your dream kitchen vacation all year long. 

A getaway may be a faraway dream but with the VIBE Collection by Sinkology, you’ll make sweet memories in the kitchen. We at Sinkology would love to be a part of the memories you make! Show us your summer sink on Instagram @Sinkology.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.

The post We’re Feeling the Summer VIBES appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/summer-vibes/

Blueberry Simple Syrup

Sinkology is proud to present Emily Schuermann, our food-loving guest blogger who runs Food for a Year. Emily is here to share some recipes she has created exclusively for the Sinkology blog that reflect her view of a copper sink: simple, timeless, affordable, and beautifully rustic. 
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Summer is in full swing and that means fresh fruit is at its peak in flavor and availability! Blueberry Simple Syrup captures the amazing flavors of this summer berry and gives the opportunity for blueberries to be enjoyed in countless ways!

There are 2 things I love about this recipe – it’s versatility and it’s practicality.

How can this Blueberry Simple Syrup be used?? Let me count the ways!! From a milkshake to a margarita, blueberry simple syrup can make everything better! Here’s a short-list of suggested uses ::

• in place of pancake syrup
• oatmeal topping
• over an ice cream scoop
• folded into plain yogurt
• lemonade
• iced coffee (so, so good!)
• poured over pound cake
• drizzle over your fresh fruit bowl
• whipped into buttercream
• added to sweeten homemade whipped cream

Another thing that makes me love this simple syrup so much? It’s useful and practical. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve found a clamshell of berries that were unintentionally shoved to the back of my fridge and forgotten.

Simple Syrup makes wonderful use of overripe, wrinkled, soggy berries (something that would otherwise be thrown away is now given new life!). Plus, there’s a double purpose! The strained, leftover fruit can be used as a jam or added to a fruit cobbler!

Turning “turned” fruit into a jam or syrup is a wonderful way to reclaim it’s usefulness.

Emily – Food for a Year

Blueberry Simple Syrup

• 16 oz. fresh blueberries (or another in season fresh berry), rinsed and air dried
• 1 c granulated cane sugar
• 1 c water

Place everything into a medium pot. Bring the berries to simmer over medium, medium-high flame – stirring frequently to prevent scorching or sticking.

While simmering, mash the fruit with the back of a spoon or masher to help release all of the berry juice.

Continue simmering and stirring frequently until syrup has reduced by at least 1/3 and thickened to desired consistency (this will take 10-15 minutes). It’s important to note that the syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.

To make a smooth syrup, you can strain the skins by pouring the hot syrup through a mesh strainer that’s positioned over a large heat-proof bowl.*

Store, refrigerated, in a glass jar or condiment dispenser for 2 weeks.

Makes 20 oz.

*Save the strained fruit! Add the strained fruit to a fruit cobbler, folded into a brownie batter or even used as a jam for your toast!

Blueberry Simple Syrup — it’s the perfect way to enjoy that spectacular summer blueberry flavor!

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/blueberry-simple-syrup/

We’re Crazy About Copper

It’s no secret that we at Sinkology love our copper sinks. It’s the perfect way to bring functional art into the home.

…with the highest quality, purest copper.

…the artful touch of hand-hammered detail.

…the sturdy confidence of natural strength.

…swoon.

And though equally beautiful, no two copper sinks are alike. And that’s by design, and collection. Our four collections feature sinks fit for every type of kitchen and every type of homeowner. In today’s post, we’ll highlight our four collections and share three of our favorites from each. Because, to be honest, we really can’t choose just one.

DIY pro’s will love the easy upgrade made possible by our ALLURE Drop-In Copper Kitchen Sinks. We designed these sinks to fit perfectly in pre-cut countertops for the easiest installation. But just because this collection is simple to install all by yourself doesn’t mean it will look amateur. Each of the drop-in sinks from this collection will fit flush with your countertop for an elegant finish that will look like it took an expert touch. With a range of faucet holes, depths, and basins to choose from, you really can’t go wrong:

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  Angelico

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  Riley

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  Santi

• Angelico Drop-In Copper Kitchen Sink elongates the standard single bowl shape for a major impact.

• Riley Drop-In Double-Bowl Copper Kitchen Sink is a classic double bowl sink, complete with sound dampening pads.

• Santi Drop-In Copper Kitchen Sink features two extra-deep bowls for maximum space.

Fans of the farmhouse style will fawn over our VENTURE Farmhouse Collection. The beloved shape gets a luxurious upgrade in gorgeous natural copper, transforming the nostalgic look with a modern metallic touch. Every kitchen style, from rustic to refined, deserves a standout like these: 

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  Lange

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  Monet

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  Renzan

• Lange Farmhouse Copper Kitchen Sink is an extended single bowl that is more affordable and less noisy with sound-dampening pads.

• Monet Farmhouse Copper Kitchen Sink fits perfectly in kitchens of every size with a smaller square bowl.

• Renzan Farmhouse Copper Kitchen Sink features a gorgeous hand-embossed scroll on the exposed apron front

Modern homeowners will obsess over the sleek finish our HONOR Undermount Collection provides. Easily mounted under pre-cut countertops and attached from below, these sinks create a seamless look. Not only does it lengthen the look of your countertop, each of these sinks makes cleanup easier:

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  Renoir

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  Kandinsky

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  Rivera

• Renoir Undermount Copper Kitchen Sink is our most affordable undermount sink and is perfectly fit for smaller kitchens. 

• Kandinsky Undermount Copper Kitchen Sink features rear offset drains in both bowls for maximum function and under-sink storage.

• Rivera Copper Kitchen Sink – Chef Series is made for the home chef with two 9-inch deep basins and the tightest corners.

Lastly, aspiring mixologists will appreciate the touch of copper with a bar sink from our EXALT Prep Sink Collection. Whatever your usual tendencies – including bartending – there is a sink that is sure to suit:

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  Seurat

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  Ducreax

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  Sisley Pro

• Seurat Bar and Prep Copper Sink easily replaces your existing sink and brings the most of the copper’s beauty in sight by extending onto the countertop beyond the basin.

• Ducreux Bar and Prep Copper Sink is stunningly functional with a flat bottom and round bowl.

• Sisley Pro Bar and Prep Copper Sink has an extra-deep 9-inch bowl that can be installed with a drop-in or undermount.

Of course, these are just a few of our favorites. Visit our copper sink page for even more sink styles and all things copper.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.

The post We’re Crazy About Copper appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/crazy-about-copper/

Stone Fruit Summer Crisp

Stone Fruit Summer Crisp! When I think of summer, the first thing that comes to mind is a juicy peach! Peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines are always at their prime during these hot, sunny summer months. One of my favorite ways to make use of these summer fruits by making a simple summer fruit crisp.

For this particular recipe, I used red apricots. Red apricots are only in season for a few weeks in early summer. The fruit is a beautiful red color and extra sweet and tangy. They have a tender, thin skin that makes that added effort of peeling unnecessary.

To prepare the filling, I combine the halved, pitted fruit, sugar, salt butter and a little cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring to thicken, approximately 5 minutes.

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Once the fruit filling is taken care of, the next very important step is to make the crumble topping.

I have a philosophy when it comes to crumble toppings :: 'More is ALWAYS better!'

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Liberally sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit and bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is crisp.

*One more important step not to be skipped :: before baking, place the crisp on a rimmed baking sheet. This will catch any potential overflow while the juicy, fruit bakes. (you'll be so glad you did!)*

This recipe is so versatile, I recently made a strawberry rhubarb version. Pear, apples and berries will also work wonderfully well.

Serve warm with a scoop of homestyle vanilla ice cream — and that first bite will literally complete your summer!

Stone Fruit Summer Crisp

Fruit Filling

• 32 oz stone fruit (rinsed, dried, seeded + halved)
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1/4 t sea salt
• 5 T butter
• 1 T cornstarch

Crisp Topping

• 1 c old fashioned oats
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 c slivered almonds
• 2 T flour
• 4 T butter, room temperature
• pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9″x13″ or 8″x12″ baking dish with non-stick spray.

In a medium saucepan, combine fruit filling ingredients over medium/medium-high flame.

Stir continuously, bringing mixture to a low boil. Allow mixture to simmer and thicken, 5 minutes.

Next, pour fruit filling into prepared baking dish.

Then, in a medium bowl, combine ‘crisp topping’ ingredients, stirring to evenly incorporate. Sprinkle topping evenly over the fruit (I like to leave this in chunks).

Set the crisp on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Serves 12

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source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/stone-fruit-summer-crisp/