Rachael Zarda

What is it about summer that makes you want to eat lighter? I welcome the change of the seasons for the sole reason that there are so many more opportunities to eat fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Lately, I’ve been waking up a little too close to the time I should be strolling into work. The fact that it’s rained every day for the past three months here in Kansas City may have something to do with it? Breakfast has to be easy or I’ll skip it altogether. The past few weeks I’ve had figs on hand to add to my morning greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a handful of nuts. Super simple and feels decadent, like I’m eating dessert!

There are many pros to figs, you see. The most important being that they pair so well with cheese, any cheese, really. So you feel like you’re getting a healthy dose of nutrients while still indulging.
Second, They’re a fancy fruit. Figs are rich in color and look great styled, making them the perfect prop for styling in a photoshoot or slicing on top of a flatbread appetizer to knock the the guests at your summer dinner party.
And last, what’s better on a hot afternoon than fresh figs on a crisp, green salad? Nothing. Except for maybe ice cream.

Here are a few other seasonal recipes I’m dying to try:

Appetizers & Salads
Grilled Brie Stuffed Figs with Honey
Arugula and Fried White Sweet Potato Salad

Entrees
Fig & Ricotta Flatbread
Bourbon Fig & Gorgonzola Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Sweets
Fig & Almond Butter Smoothie
Vegan Chai Spiced Coconut Fig Popsicles