Sunnies, sunshine, summer cooking, Spanish summer wines. . . . . . . .

Saturday already! 
I've had a really busy week and am behind in many things. But I haven't been

 basking in the sun wearing new 'sunnies' (I love how Australians call sunglasses

 by that name). . . . . . . . . . . . 

via Zara

. . . . . . . .or lazing on a beach under clear blue skies with my hair held

back by a new velvet turban headband (I'm actually growing my hair a bit and 
one of these might useful).

More sunnies. . . . . . . .but I've been in the kitchen where I only need my

 magnifying readers which I now purchase in a 3-pack - and I really like the

 Costco version. Somehow though they all end up in the same room - and it's

 never the room where I need a pair!

Yes, said I wouldn't make any this year!  Again I was talked into a small batch 

as just when I thought that really severe Spring frost had damaged the trees

 and the figs would suffer, they are awesome and just keep coming. . . . . .  into

 the kitchen via my fig-picking husband! Sharing fresh figs with neighbors,

 friends and of course birds and squirrels - plenty for all.

This year's jam is so good - I added strawberries

 and really like the flavor.

Cutting off fresher than fresh summer corn and cooking up a pot

 of the best Corn Chowder ever. . . . . .thanks to Barbara Kafka's recipe 

in her great cookbook SOUP.

Lastly, drinking good rosé wine is part of Summertime refreshment around

 here in our hot, humid southeast climate. My favorite is always dry but there are

 many for those who prefer sweet wines. I still think Spain produces some of the

 best rosé and these are two I have found to be reasonably priced, available locally

 and good. There's a huge selection of rosé this year from France, California, 

Argentina, and Spain.

 I contacted my brother in the south of France to see what they are drinking and

 he recommended the Garnacha (Grenache) from an area of Spain not far from

 his home. They are fruity with notes of ripe strawberry, orange, hibiscus, and

 sometimes a hint of allspice. Often with more color than the palest pink rosés

 from Provençe etc., they have moderate acidity and must be served well-chilled

 to keep them zesty.

Cheers!

Have a great weekend.

Edited: Aug. 16, 2017

Both of these wines have been tried over the past week and I just wanted to say the LAGRANJA far surpasses the ORONTA for my taste buds!  It's a beautiful color and has much more flavor, dry but fruity. The other one is more mineral tasting. Just a heads up!