If you haven’t heard, it’s cherry season. Do you know the only thing that sucks about cherry season? It’s so short, only a month or two! So I’ve been trying to devour enough of the juicy, pitted candies of nature to last me all year.
The summer heat (supposed to be in the 100’s by the weekend here in NC) also has me back on the green smoothie train.
My newest addition to the mix? Raw chocolate coconut butter. Coconut butter is different from coconut oil in that it makes use of the entire flesh of the coconut. This coconut butter is best when heated and poured on a banana. Mmmm….
I’ve also been anxiously awaiting my growing garden to yield some produce. It hasn’t quite yet, but it’s growing.
It’s only a matter of time until the zucchini plants claim the entire garden as their own. Clearly zucchini and squash demand more leg room. See, I learn best from experience.
However, I won’t mind if zucchinis pop up everywhere, as long as the tomatoes thrive as well. Then I can make this dish many, many more times before cool temperatures return!
Braised Cod with Summer Vegetables and Orzo
I usually go for bold flavors. I typically prefer spicy and strong, which this recipe is not. However, I was won over by the fresh, summery flavors of this simply seasoned dish.
The recipe is by Williams Sonoma, though I made a few substitutions (like cod for halibut because halibut is EXPENSIVE).
If you are looking for a meal that encompasses summer in every bite, full of nutrition and perfectly light for a summertime supper (400 calories per serving), you must try this recipe.
Braised Cod with Summer Vegetables and Orzo
What summer food are you loving right now?
Elle says
Thank you for sharing the recipe! It looks so good! I love cherries, here in northern Michigan there’s a cherry festival every year and it’s so fun!
Brittany says
Oh my goodness, I love festivals! I can imagine a cherry festival would be pretty awesome 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
In the summer I can never get enough of BBQ. Especially grilled veggies!
Lindsey says
Love cherries. I am a berry fanatic! haha. Love them all. I cannot wait till I can get fresh garden veggies too. Your garden looks awesome!
Jen@TheFitHousewife says
I love, love, love that chocolate coconut butter! I pour it on my oatmeal in the mornings 🙂 I also love cherries. Did you know they aid in muscle recovery and soreness?! So, enjoy cherries.
Brittany says
Yes, I’ve read incredible things about cherries, but all I can focus on lately is how goooooood they taste 😉 And I’ll have to try the chocolate coconut butter on oatmeal!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I’m loving cherries right now, too! Cherries and watermelon. Both are so amazing and I can’t get enough!
Lauren B. says
Strawberries!!! I can’t get enough of them. They are just so darn tasty and smell so good this time of year. I love to just snack on them, but I made an amazing strawberry ice cream with them last week- the perfect summer treat!
Your recipe looks delicious- definitely Pin-worthy! Have a super day!
Brittany says
You MADE strawberry ice cream? That sounds incredible!
Lauren B says
Oh yes! I love my ice cream maker this time of year! So worth the extra effort.
Adapted this recipe by using half-n-half and 1% milk instead of the cream and whole milk: http://www.formerchef.com/2010/06/07/homemade-strawberry-ice-cream/
Shannon says
I have been reading your posts for awhile now and I’m in love with your natural approach! I will be trying that recipe! It looks delish! I have one question though: What do you put in your smoothie? I have been looking for a good green smoothie but have yet to really enjoy one! Thank you for all your posts! I enjoy reading them when I get to work in the morning instead of reading my emails! 🙂
Brittany says
Hi Shannon! Thanks so much for your sweet comment 🙂
I make green monsters a little different every time, but I prefer ones with chocolate and peanut butter. My fav combo is the one I make for David: http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/2012/03/02/david-drinks-green-monsters/
It’s like a milk shake.
Though I’ve heard a lot of people like simple ones of spinach, frozen banana and vanilla almond milk.
Maria says
I’m obsessed with cherry season as well. Cannot get enough…though my wallet is crying. Those babies aren’t cheap.
I like that you call it supper 🙂 I think that’s a Southern thing, right?
Brittany says
Haha, yes! I sometimes say dinner, sometimes say supper. Supper just sounds so much more wholesome to me!
Austin Michelle says
Ahh!! We garden at our house. Hopefully your zucchini and tomatoes are getting plenty of sun! We also garden at our church, check out the load of veggies we picked last Thursday: http://thelittlethingsinlifewithaustin.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/a-little-summer-harvest/
Lisa says
Brittany, you have got to try that coconut butter on a sweet potato! It is the best thing I have ever tasted. It melts all over the hot potato and I die. Sooo tasty! That stuff is like a magical drug. I love cherries as well, but they are always sold out or I get the bad ones by the time I get to the store! I am going to be fairly jealous when all your zucchinis pop up, because I’ve been eating them everyday lately. I can’t have enough of them.
Brittany says
Oh Lisa, what a fabulous suggestion! I will definitely be trying the coconut butter on a sweet potato. Thanks!!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’m loving fresh organic strawberries right now! I’ve been eating them every morning…I’m heading to the farmer’s market on Saturday morning–hopefully I’ll find some cherries because those look delicious and I actually haven’t bought any yet this summer!
christina says
You’re my personal hero.
I also really love a recipe with orzo. 🙂
Kelly@Runmarun says
Yum, a delicious recipe, thank you for posting it!
Your garden looks immaculate- and so true about squash- they are so pushy! 😉
Sarah says
I LOVE cherry season! I live in Washington State where they produce 90% of the nation’s cherry crop so cherries are in every grocery store and fruit stand, up front and center!
Rainier cherries are my absolute favorite variety but I hear they’re hard to come by in other areas. I’m eating some rightnow!
Kailey says
I’ve actually never tried orzo before – does it taste like pasta or rice? Regardless – I love cod so this dish looks great 😀