Love and Marriage

[source]*

[Matt notices the peach pit that Mandy left next to the computer.  Disgusted, he picks it up and rises from his seat.]

Matt: After dark?!


*Um, this is actually a picture of a peach pit that's been carved in the likeness of JFK, our second most handsome president.  Weird.

Long Time No Talk.

Hey there.  Sorry you haven't heard much from us lately.  On Tuesday we got the sad news that some of our best friends here are moving far far away, and very soon, and it's been just a little bit heartbreaking for me.  Add that to that the fact that the most exciting or interesting thing I've done all week has been to replace a faucet, and you might be thanking me that I haven't been cluttering up the interwebs with my sad, cranky, dull self all week.

I'm at the point now where I can talk about them moving without crying, and we're going on vacation soon, and I've been trying to find things to do (read: to eat) that are comforting.

So here's what's brought me joy this week.

That dog and that husband hurt my heart--in a good way. 

Fancy little notebook for my purse and a Pilot Precise V Rolling Ball pen to match.  Also, Mexican food. 

Watching a friend with giant cojones do stand-up comedy. 

 Back in the Day Bakery key lime bar and bacon jam.  Now if that doesn't make you happy, nothing will.

 Lizard butt.

Watermelon juice.  F yeah!

Five more pounds of peaches.  I will try not to eat them all in one sitting.

Not pictured: watching the series finale of Friday Night Lights (I love Coach Taylor with my whole being!), boxed wine, Cassie, sassy little kids who will make you cry by saying things like "I drew you this picture so that you would have something to remember us when we move," yoga pants, down comforters, Pinterest, Parks & Recreation, phone chats with my nearest and dearest, and hot dogs.  And Alexia fries.  And ketchup.  We're classy like that.

Mandy's Famous Peach Sorbet

Now, I'm not sure if this is more of a sorbet or a granita, so we could be looking at Mandy's Famous Peach Granita here.  Does anyone know?

One of the best things about living in Georgia is the peaches.  (Oh, you thought I was going to say "boastful ignorance"?  No, that's actually one of the worst things about living in Georgia.)  Duh, right?  I know, I know.  But seriously, the peaches are out of control.  And there's this little florist/produce stand not far from our house that Ann told me about where they sell the best peaches for $1/pound.  Mmmmmmmmmmmm.  Last year we tried grilling peaches (um, delicious!), and this year I'm making frozen peach treats.

This is what I made yesterday.  I'm trying to cut down on the amount of sugar that I put in these desserts, while still making something tasty and refreshing.  Since these peaches were already so sweet and packed with flavor, I put in only a tiny bit of sugar.  Success!  It's a little sweet and a little tart, and it's light and refreshing--perfect for these hot, hot, hot summer days.

Mandy's Famous Peach Sorbet/Granita

6-8 peaches, peeled and sliced
1-2 teaspoons of sugar
juice from one lemon

1.  Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Allow to sit for 30-60 minutes to juicify.  (Isn't there a word for that?)
2. Puree ingredients in a food processor.
3.  Put in ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. 
4.  Place sorbet/granita in freezer to solidify.

Peach Cobbler

It's my first official day of summer vacation. What better way to celebrate than with a homemade peach cobbler?

I have taken to following Martha Stewart's recipes lately. I trust her. She's good. Yeah, maybe she's weird and abrasive and a convicted felon, but that woman can cook! Today I tackled her recipe for peach cobbler.

It's amazing--and it's egg-free, for those of you who will die if you eat an egg.

I need ice cream. Now.