My Summer Place

Big shady trees, kites flying in the blue skies, delicious fruits coming into season and days at the beaches make me love summer. Growing up, summer spelled vacation time— free from school work and a chance to dream. And since we lived but 20 minutes away from the different beaches of my province— white powdery ones, black pebbly ones and coral creamy ones-- my summer love affair with the sea began and is rekindled every summer thereafter. Granted that I get hot and sweaty, I find that these discomforts can easily be forgotten with the slathering of some sunblock cream and much splashing around in clear and cool sea water. Adding intensity to the love affair: the food-- eating sweet ripe mangoes and licking the juices off our fingers; sip cool coconut water (buco); and cubes of the freshest raw fish in a vinaigrette pool (kinilaw) partnered with barbequed pork belly. The moments— beach combing for the tiniest seashell in the late afternoons; and, a full moon, some star gazing and the occasional sighting of a falling star while listening to the sounds of the waves as the tide comes in. And the people—then, 4 sisters and 2 brothers and lots of sun-kissed cousins; now, my son, my daughter, my husband and like-minded friends. So I return to the sea -- my summer place. Sometimes for just a day, sometimes for a week and always wishing to stay longer the next time. And am happy to report that the love affair continues to burn as brightly and as hot as the summer sun.
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If you love summer that way I do, I am sure you will enjoy the following cool idea. Yoghurt Ice
2 small containers of plain yoghurt
1/2 c chopped fruit ( banana, strawberries)
Some honey or sugar
1 Tablespoon chopped nuts and choco chips

Place all of the ingredients (except the nuts) in a blender and zap until smooth. Stir in the nuts and chips. You may pour the smoothie into the yoghurt containers or ice tray or in Popsicle containers.

Pop into the freezer for at least 4 hours or until firm. When serving, you might want to surround your yoghurt ice with more fruit, nuts and choco-chips. Enjoy!!