Trying to come up with something I enjoy about summer while my skin melts from my body is kind of tough. The crusty, dried layer of sweat on my epidermis at most of my beautiful clients wedding receptions this time of year is embarrassing but completely unavoidable. Even though I’m working, it still feels wrong to show up at such a fancy party looking like I ran a marathon dressed head to toe in black while carrying a small elephant through the Sahara Desert. Hot and sexy…check.

But seriously, ONE thing I love about summer – tomatoes are in season! My love for tomatoes only dates back a few years. I never really liked raw tomatoes, just things made out of tomatoes like ketchup or marinara sauce. I still don’t think those things actually have tomatoes in them – one certainly tastes nothing like the other. But now I love the real thing and look forward to them every year!

So recently I made this panzanella with from scratch french bread croutons and thought I would share a quick photo. Incredibly easy, refreshing and quick with basil from our own little pots on our deck!

Panzanella a la liz