Summer recipes I can't wait to try.....if it was summer!

We're going on week two of sub-freezing temps at night here in Philly - we're only making it into the low 40s during the day, and it's absolutely freezing first thing in the morning!  This makes for tough running, and my motivation has been severely lacking lately.  Somehow the pollen counts are astronomical, even though it's below freezing, and my scratchy throat isn't helping with the motivation either....

But anyway, on to summer!  I'm dreaming of summer lately, and it's not just because it's cold - it's also only 4 weeks until my defense, and I'll be moving in with my boyfriend soon.  I can't wait - and so of course, I'm thinking of our first summer together - walks outside, barbecuing and making smores in the fire pit, and spending summer weekends in the hot tub with freezer pops (yep, the ones in the little plastic tubes).  So much more fun than freezing my bum off on a 6-mile run today.

I've been hoarding summer recipes since winter, and today seemed as good a day as any to post them.  I know a lot of you are dealing with cold temps and snow, so kick off your boots, slip on some flip-flops, and dream a little...

Black Bean and Corn Salad

(source)

It's a picnic classic - and one of my favorite things to eat outside on a summer day!


Salad with Blueberries and Walnuts

Something about greens with fruit just screams summer.  Sweet summer blueberries, bought in giant cases from the farmer's market...fresh, peppery greens and blue cheese.  Major yum.


Bacon-wrapped Scallops

They're not healthy, but they're so delicious.  And I am moving to New England this summer - I'm super excited about all the seafood.  These remind me of the night of Commencement Ball in college, when we went to Fanieul Hall and got them from a little vendor, then ate them in our fancy gowns and suits.  Can't wait to make them on the grill!


Blue Cheese Burgers

One of my favorite recipes for the grill.  Definitely my go-to when we have people over - I see many more of these in my future this summer.


Berry Fool

I saw this one on America's Test Kitchen yesterday, and it looks incredible.  Can't wait to try it with fresh berries and cream!


I may have cheated a little on waiting for summer and made crock pot pulled pork this weekend.....so reminiscent of summer barbecues.  I will post a recipe and pictures as soon as I eat my leftovers - I forgot to take pictures the first time.

Notice how dreaming of summer for me means dreaming of food?  I'm not so much dreaming of more running - I'm way undertrained for Broad Street and the Run to Remember half marathon in May.  But maybe once the weather actually starts warming up I'll be feeling it a bit more.  For now, I'll stay all bundled up inside and dream of warmer weather.