Friday Favorites: Summer Corn Recipes and Books

Summer corn recipes from bloggers I love, three books for the season, and a weekend with two birthdays to celebrate

Friday again, and it’s the start of a busy weekend. Today is my sister’s birthday, and Saturday is my niece’s. Two parties, what is not to love about a weekend celebrating two amazing ladies?

It’s hot here, like most of the country, but this week I felt it, a hint of fall. Yes, I know it’s July, but when I went outside two days ago for my morning look at the circle, it was chilly. Genuinely chilly. And in my mind that only means one thing: fall is on its way. Oh, and Christmas too! In case you needed a reminder, Christmas is 161 days away. You’re welcome.

In other news, Wimbledon. Did you watch the final on Sunday? It was a great match. And the World Cup, an exciting but disappointing end for the USA.

Okay, now that we’re caught up on weather, sports, and world news, my world, that is, let’s get to Friday Favorites.

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Food

I love corn in the summer, and this week’s recipes prove it.

Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos from Cake & Knife,the best reason to stay in for Taco Tuesday this week. From the flavorful honey lime chicken to the spicy charred corn salsa, every element of these colorful tacos brings texture and plenty of flavor.

Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing from Julia at Julia’s Album, takes only thirty minutes and makes a beautiful appetizer, light meal, or even dinner. This crowd-pleasing side is perfect for sharing at picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, and your family and friends will love the fresh, savory, sweet combination. Make it all summer and year-round.

Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad from How Sweet Eats. This may be my favorite green salad ever. Loaded with flavor and crunch and drizzled with a hot bacon dressing, it’s the perfect salad to use up those quick pickled onions I shared yesterday.

And for something sweet, Pistachio Lemon Bread is filled with bright citrus flavors and nutty pistachios. Its tender crumb and lemony glaze are delicious.

Books

Village Life: Italian Travel Memoir with Tuscan Stories, Recipes, and Inspiration for Slow, Intentional Living by Angela Correll, after decades of visiting Italy, Angela and her husband put down roots in a tiny Tuscan hilltop village, transforming a centuries-old horse stable into the home of their dreams. What she discovers along the way is that village life offers more than beautiful scenery, it reveals an entirely different way of living, one built on slowing down and savoring the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan. Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve, so when she moves back to her Rhode Island hometown for the summer to help save her family’s house, of course she finds a way. That way involves a fake-dating arrangement with Stewart Whitfield, the local golden boy fresh off a very public breakup, and what starts as a favor turns into something neither of them expected. Warm, funny, and genuinely sweet, this is summer romance done right.

The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr is set in a small Irish fishing village in 1973. This quietly magical novel follows a baby boy found abandoned on the beach and raised by a local fisherman alongside his own son. Because of his mysterious origins, the villagers always considered the boy to carry a touch of something otherworldly, a blessing and a burden that follows him through his whole life. Told like a story passed down by someone who knows everyone in town, it’s the kind of book that lingers.

Looking for more books? You can find everything I have recommended on My Bookshop. Many, if not all, of the books are also available from Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and on Libby from your local library.

Links to Read + Watch + Listen

A parasite has hit thousands of people. Here’s how to stay safe

New warning about social media trend involving popular squishy toys

I’m begging for a break from longevity marketing.

1-Step Trick That Makes Sausages Taste 100x Better on the Grill

“Slop Face” Is Taking Over Hollywood — and Making Beauty Boring

‘Gossip’ had godly origins. Here’s how it gained its sinful reputation

‘Anti-ageing is anti-life’: why longevity culture is just ageism in a lab coat

You don’t need to buy fancy equipment to try these easy iced coffee upgrades.

Shopping — Outfit of the Day

A black skirt goes with anything and always looks beautiful and classic. This week I paired it with a strip shirt, and a pop of color. Red ballet flats, and a wicker bag with red trim. Add your favorite perfume, jewelry and sunglasses.

Click the images to see the outfit separates

What are your plans for the weekend? Tell me in the comments. I hope you enjoyed the recipes, links, and books I discovered this week on Friday Favorites. Don’t forget to join me tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings with Kim.

And if you missed my new collaboration The Seasonal Table with Cindy Hattersley yesterday be sure to take a look, we both shared our version of Watermelon salad.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X or Pinterest.. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns, share it with a friend!