Strawberries and the beach

So this was the first week at the farmer's market that there was fruit! Strawberries to be exact, and they were everywhere! Local fresh picked strawberries are SO different than what you'll find at the grocery store. They are so sweet and juicy! The grocery store tends to sell under-ripe fruit that is too "crunchy" and flavorless.

We were so excited that we got a few quarts, and have been eating them nonstop! We also got some arugula this week, and I found a recipe from Mark Bittman for a strawberry arugula salad! You basically let the strawberries soak in a little balsamic vinegar and black pepper, and then you toss with arugula and a little olive oil. We also added goat cheese, because goat cheese makes any salad better.

Peonies are also in season and were everywhere so we got a few of those too...I love peonies!

Our church is planting a church between where we live and downtown Chicago, and we went Sunday to help out. They are meeting in a park right on the lake, and Will REALLY enjoyed running along the "beach" and playing in the sand!

Such a fun weekend!