End of Summer...

Even though Summer doesn't officially end until September 22nd when the Autumnal Equinox occurs, most people consider Labor Day weekend to be the end of summer.  Kids are either already back in school or headed there next week...beach trips are over...the garden is winding down...the pools are getting ready to close...it's time to welcome in my favorite season, autumn!

 But, before we do that, we have one last blow-out weekend that starts tomorrow!!  I can't believe that it's Labor Day weekend already--where did the time go this summer?  I always feel this way, but not for the same reasons as other people do.  Me...I'm always glad for summer to be over and to welcome in some--hopefully--cooler weather with lower humidity.  But, most of all, I'm all excited for the fun foods that go along with autumn cooking---the soups, stews, chilis, crock-pot creations, pumpkin goodies...need I say more??

 Before we start cooking all of those kinds of meals, I have one last summer recipe for you.  Maybe you can serve it at your Labor Day bar-be-cue this weekend?

 Nothing quite says "summer" the way that watermelon does and we're about to lose all those luscious, sweet watermelons from our roadside stands and fruit markets.  So, here's a recipe that will let you serve watermelon one last time this summer in a totally different way than you normally would.

 Watermelon-cucumber salad
3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
1/2 of a large English cucumber, diced with the skin on
1 handful cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese

 Place all the above ingredients in a large bowl and stir.  Then, in a separate container, make a dressing from:
the juice of 2 limes
about 1/3-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

 Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat.  Serve immediately.
Serves 4.

 I know this seems like a strange presentation for watermelon.  We expect to have it in desserts or fruit salads, but this is a lovely and fresh salad that is very bright and flavorful and totally unexpected!
Happy Labor Day---don't work too hard :)

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