Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table

Summer to most of us in the northern hemisphere says it’s vacation time .   .   . a time to  travel to distant destinations that bespeak of mystery and romance, or to explore our vast and great United States, with it’s very own places of history, mystery and wonderment. It also brings about beach parties, concerts in the park, backyard barbies, summer weddings, and .   .   . and .   .   . and  .   .   .  please tell me you got the idea!

OK, now that we have established the meaning of summer to many of you out in reader land .   .   . let me tell you what it means to me. While summer, conjures up all of the aforementioned, it also speaks of the luscious, vibrant colored bounty that is brought to market daily. Roadside stands, local farmers markets, grocery stores, and if we are very lucky some of the incredible gifts of Mother Nature may also offer itself up in our own backyard, or even a corner of your balcony .   .   . Wait .   .   . no snickering aloud .  .   . hear me out, or .   .   . is it read me out .   .   . hmmm.  Please .   .   . a pot is a pot, and soil is soil, and sunshine is sunshine .   .   . whether shining over a meadow, a fruit growers nursery, or a balcony it still remains sunshine. For those of you interested ‘fruit in a pot’ people, I offer a few potential morsels that can be grown in a pot! Lemons, limes, currents, blueberries, raspberries, and .   .   . wait for it .   .   . pineapples .   .   .   yesss .   .   . your eyes are fine .   .   . you did read it correctly, pineapples .   .   . an honest verified fact!!

So armed with bags brimming full of fresh, just off the tree lemons, limes, and delicious pears of just the right contrasting green, (setting aside the best of the best pears .   .   . one for each place setting) and  my centerpiece was born .   .   . hallelujah .  .   . summer is absolutely here!!!  To give a wowee, zowie  punch to my table I used white pedestal bowls of different designs and sizes, mixed with crystal, and glass cake stands staggered on layered vintage wooden planks stacked at different heights. I let extra  pieces of fruit to run free in and around  the containers giving the centerpiece a more natural, and free form feel. Next came my votive holders, again staggered at different heights, for ambiance, sparkle, and just enough candlelight to highlight the pop of colors. Remember those ‘best of the best‘ pears I set aside, well now is the time use them. Sit one pear on each top plate, or bread and butter plate, or .   .   . if you like playing out of the box like I do .   .   . try putting each one in a stemmed glass that will just remain as decoration throughout  dinner.

Tips to remember .   .   .

When it comes to lemons .   .   . 1 large lemon yields approximately 3 tbs. I know this is where you’re saying no way, and I’m saying yes way .   .   . because .   .   . you’re going to put that lemon in the microwave for approximately 15 sec. on high*, then roll it on your counter with your palm ( much the same as you would do to a pomegranate ).

Pears are another story all together .   .   . to see if your pears are ripe you don’t need a college degree, and it’s not a secret .   .   . promise!  When you press down on the pears stem it gives or moves .   .   . ta-da .   .  it’s ripe. If you want your pears cold then refrigerate them unwashed in a paper or plastic bag until chilled, and can also be kept for up to one week .   .   . Mmmmm .   .   .  cold and delicious!!!

* Remember .   .   . all microwaves are not calibrated the same so .   .   . it couldn’t hurt to try 10 seconds first. Hmmmmm?

Til next time .   .   .

MORE CANDLE TIPS NEXT TIME

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the popular Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…

I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS and QUESTIONS  .   .   . sharons3@me.com