The Pacific Northwest constantly and consistently amazes me. The abundance of fresh, flavorful foods that show up either on my own table and on friend’s tables makes me unbelievably thankful for it all. The abundance of berries, fresh salmon, peaches, apricots, heirloom tomatoes, garden herbs, and leafy vegetables are stunning–when you stop and think about it. My good friend and co-kitchen-conspirator, Leela, just got back from a nine month tour with her new husband around the world (lucky girl!). She and I are hosting a Taste the Place booth prior to the Pietopia event on August 5th at the Buckman Farmer’s Market. The entire premise of Taste the Place is to taste what grows locally here in Oregon. August is a great time for this because berries are in full force and stone fruits are hanging like gems from branches. But we decided to put a little twist on tasting the place and bringing some global flavors into the mix. Her trip was a total inspiration of sights, sounds, people–not to mention foods, tastes, flavors, textures! Her motto was “leave no masala dosa, bowl of bun, or bite of bakalava behind!”—now you understand why she is one of my favorite people in the world! Her enthusiasm and ability to enjoy life, in it’s present state, is contagious.

We each came up with a cool summer smoothie drink for people to sample at the market. Check her’s out here. I toyed with a blackberry orange blossom smoothie and a raspberry rosewater smoothie. The blackberry orange blossom was fragrant-heavy and smooth–it’s personality was tall, dark, guarded, and heavily perfumed. Maybe the blackberries didn’t pack enough punch, or maybe I’m just used to the sweet fruitiness of marionberries (not the ex-mayor), but it became all orange blossom and no berry. Even when I tried adding just 1/4 or an 1/8 of a teaspoon, it hit me in the top part of my nose and crept down the back of my throat no matter what I tried. By the end, I could have been just so used to smelling it, that I was over anticipating it and thinking it was too much. I think there’s potential here with this smoothie, but, it wasn’t the one for me. The raspberry rosewater smoothie, on the other hand, was like drinking a glass of smoothie-elegance. I am partial to rose–I love how they smell, how they look–the whole package. And the beauty of this flavor combination is that not one overpowered the other–they harmonized one another. The raspberry notes came first and then the subtle rose water essence followed suit. I added a touch of raw honey and this was my chosen contender!

Fear not, the blackberry certainly has it’s place in my heart and palate. I used it on a summer pizza the other night–fresh basil, heirloom yellow tiny tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fresh blackberries (all came from the farmer’s market), buffalo mozzarella, and an olive oil base….. I trail off here because words cannot describe this pizza’s deliciousness. And, I’m salivating. Thank you, summer.

Cheers!

Raspberry Rosewater Smoothie 2/3 cup fresh raspberries 1 tablespoon raw honey 1/2-1 teaspoon rose water 2 ice cubes 1/2 cup-3/4 cup filtered water

Blend until smooth, enjoy!