As we move through August and the tops of the trees in the mountains have a small amount of colors on the leaves, we are soaking in the beauty of summer and appreciate what it does for the soul!

This is a yummy and unique spread! If you’re a fan of a good appetizer, try this!

CARAMELIZED SHALLOT CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon ghee

3 cups shallots, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon maple syrup

8 ounces cream cheese

½ cup crème fraiche

⅓ cup spiced yogurt dressing

Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 

Chives, for garnish

Toasted pumpernickel bread, for serving

METHOD

1. Using a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ghee, shallots, and maple syrup. Cook until the shallots begin browning on all sides. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the shallots are tender and golden brown. Remove from the heat and season to taste. 2. Using a food processor, combine the caramelized shallots, cream cheese, crème fraiche, and spiced yogurt dressing. Blend until combined-season with salt and pepper.

3. Place the mixture in a bowl and garnish it with fresh chives.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the pumpernickel toast.

Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, and serve with the spread and your favorite cut veggies.

As adults we can sometimes be just as happy sitting and being still on vacation as we are going out there and doing things! But I’m so grateful for active, excited kids who push me to adventure and have create new experiences!

It won’t be long, folks, before we are trading fresh green gardens for pumpkin patches! You won’t catch me complaining about that, but it’s hard not to wish for green when it leaves.

As someone who loves fresh veggies from a homegrown garden, I can’t help but to want to be just like that; ever-growing no matter what comes my way.

Hope you all had a great week!

XO
Sarah