The Case for Seasonal Cooking
My favorite cookware, real fruit snack bars, recipes ft. seasonal veg, lemon infused olive oil, and giving watermelon seed milk a try.
Happy Tuesday! Very exciting day today because I got tickets to the Le Creuset factory sale in Columbus. The VIP tickets, where you can snag a mystery box, may have been sold out but I’m excited nonetheless. What should I be on the lookout for — all of my current items are in the shade flame. Speaking of cookware, has anyone else seen the gal’s starting the cookware brand George on TikTok? I’m obsessed and can’t wait to see where they take the brand.
I spent the weekend hanging out with my long distance best friends and it was so heartwarming. Extremely sad that they both no longer live here but thrilled that they are close enough to visit. I took zero photos which is how you know it was a wonderful weekend.
What I did take a photo of last week was the gorgeous cpg shelf at Tony & Pete’s, a sandwich shop with a cult following. I got the Pete which had soppressata, provolone, red onion, arugula, tomato jam, and chili oil. My lips were burning but it was delicious.
Two delish recipes for you that both use Brami’s products. Their pasta has truly become a staple in my house for easy, protein packed weeknight meal and I’m a sucker for snacking on their pickled lupini beans. First recipe is a take on a soba noodle bowl with lots of crisp seasonal veggies and the other is an amped up tapenade perfect for park picnics. Check them out <3
Jana, founder of Happy Wolf, is this week’s podcast guest! I truly had the best time chatting about how the brand came to be and geeked out talking about the design decisions Jana’s made as they continue to grow. More on that below 👇
As always thank you for supporting my work! Some exciting updates are coming soon.
Jana Goodbaum of Happy Wolf
Jana Goodbaum, a former fast-food marketer turned health-conscious mom, knew there had to be a better option — so she took to her own chaotic kitchen to build it. After endless recipe testing (while momming), she finally landed on Happy Wolf: nut-free snack bars made only with only whole ingredients you can find in your own kitchen.
Today, Happy Wolf can be found in the refrigerated section of 120 retailers—including Wegman’s—and will be in 450 stores by the end of 2024 with a major retailer launch around the corner. In a market saturated with "clean" labels and health claims, Happy Wolf's approach is resonating with a growing demographic of parents who are steering clear of ultra-processed foods.
IG happywolfsnacks | happywolf.com
Listen to the episode:
Spotify | Apple Music | Substack
Get Cookin’
When I tell you I think this is the prettiest photograph I’ve ever taken…I haven’t stopped obsessing over this photo since I took it like I month ago lol. This is definitely a meal that looks as good as it tastes and will keep you refreshed all summer long.
I love a tapenade but it’s something I rarely make. When I got tasked with making a tapenade featuring Brami’s pickled lupini beans (my fav snack) I was so excited to give it a shot. The result is a dip that is briny, citrusy, and so addictive. Highly recommend serving it alongside a garlicky baguette.
Weekly Favorites
I used to love a flip flop and then I was lowkey over them after I got a crazy blister one time lol. BUT I feel like they are so back. My friend had these on from Old Navy and I’m a big fan. Flip flops with baggy jeans and a white tee feels like my uniform for summer.
As you may remember I got a bike recently and for whatever reason I drug my feet getting a helmet. I settled on this one and tbh I love it. It is nowhere near as annoying as I remember helmets to be when I was a kid.
As someone who has every kitchen tool under the sun I somehow didn’t have a mandolin until last week. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard horror story after horror story or maybe it’s because I simply ran out of space in my last kitchen. Now with all the storage and due to a project I’m working on, the purchase was finally necessary. Consider me a fan.
I hate to be that girl but I got the Baggu bowler bag in butter yellow (okay alliteration!) and it is such a fantastic addition to my wardrobe. Do you need it? No. If you want a new bag is it a fab option? Yes.
Heraclea’s lemon infused olive oil has been my most reached for item in my pantry. It adds such a brightness to every dish that I absolutely love. They produce Turkish olive oil which isn’t often seen in the US market and I can confirm it is delectable. Berk, the founder of Heraclea, will be on the pod in the next few weeks.
I got sent this watermelon seed milk the other week and I’m pleasantly surprised by the taste. Similar to almond milk in its consistency and light nutty flavor. It paired nicely with a shot of matcha and homemade strawberry syrup. Another brand you’ll be hearing from on the pod!
As a chronic lip balm user, this one from Bag Balm has become my new go-to. Thank god my friend gave me one when I lost my usual Aquaphor. My life has forever been changed. I love the mini tubes.
ICYMI
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)
Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio
Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director
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