Snacks

Fig & Chia Parfait

- Amanda

Living in Istanbul can sometimes have it’s perks. And figs, my friends, are one of them. I’m talking gorgeous, luscious, plump, sweet & perfectly ripe figs. The kind I could have only dreamt about in the states. I know that’s a big statement. And while I have definitely had some wonderful versions of this jewel-toned fruit back home, whether it be from a store, farmer’s market or a friend’s tree, they never came close to those I have been lucky enough to enjoy (read: devour) here.

Fig season has been in full swing here and I have most definitely had my share. In fact, the small window in which these little beauties is available is coming to a close soon and I am so not looking forward to it. So until then, I’ll be savoring every last one of them and including them in recipes like this amazing Fig & Chia Parfait.

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Strawberry Maple Chia Jam

- Amanda

Strawberry season came a little late for us here in Istanbul. Last year we had gorgeous berries starting in May but since this winter lingered a bit longer, it had an affect on spring and summer produce. And while we had to wait till the end of July for the organic strawberries to come, there is a silver lining. We’re still getting sweet and beautiful berries now, well into September. And with them, we’re making lots and lots of this Strawberry Maple Chia Jam.

This jam is so good, only has 4 ingredients and comes together in a jiff. Less than 10 minutes to be exact, once you cut the strawberries. It’s only sweetened with a little maple syrup (you can also use honey) and a few drops of fresh lemon juice help brighten it up. Then a generous addition of chia seeds when it’s done cooking add a hefty dose of nutritional value as well as making for a fun texture.

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Turkish Watermelon & Feta Salad

- Amanda

We’re halfway through September, if you can believe it, and that means summer comes to it’s official close this weekend. And I’ve got the perfect salad to send off the season with a bang. If you still have some warm weather and sweet watermelon in your neck of the woods, you have enough of an excuse to give this a try. It’s my go to salad for guests, parties, or any type of get together from May through September. The sweet and salty pairing with fresh mint, truly is a killer combo.

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Cucumber Melon Agua Fresca

- Amanda

With fall officially two weeks away, there’s already a decent amount of pumpkin spice this and pumpkin that currently buzzing about the internet. And while I have every intention of diving head first into all things that the autumn season brings, my favorite season after all, I’m trying to enjoy (and share) the last of the summer recipes that are at their best during these sweltering hot days, which it still very much is here in Istanbul (and definitely true as well back in my hometown of Los Angeles.)

This recipe is a quick and easy one and doesn’t require any cooking at all. Agua Fresca is a drink that comes from Mexico and literally translates to “fresh water.” Generally it consists of fruit, sometimes flowers like hibiscus, or one of my favorites, horchata, which is made with rice, and is blended with water and sugar. This version, Cucumber Melon Agua Fresca, is definitely refreshing and can be enjoyed simply as is over ice, or perhaps with a shot of rum or vodka to bring you right back to the weekend and wash away those Monday blues….ever try a little rum in some Horchata? If the answer is no, get your hands on some asap.

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Banana Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips

- Amanda

It’s been a little while since I last posted, but the Treat Life kitchen has been plenty busy. I’ve had some cake and cookie orders and a couple baking classes I taught. You can check out some of the goodies over on my instagram page. Keeping up with new and creative recipes for my family is a bit of a challenge during busy weeks like the past few, but one thing we have made several times because my kids love them and they are such a cinch to throw together is these Banana Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips.

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