When summer arrives many of us dream of exotic vacations full of exciting sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. But what if your summer doesn’t include a trip away? What if you find yourself hanging out in your familiar neighborhood, going to work, and walking the dog this summer? How do you find the magic in your very own backyard? In today’s episode, we’ll explore the many wonders waiting for you in the seemingly mundane places. Magic isn’t reserved for only a few weeks out of the year, rediscover the delights right where you are!

What am I reading?

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

What am I listening to on repeat?

Shot Through the Heart by Jon Bon Jovi

What’s for dinner? 

Summer Beans

Olive oil
Butter beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans
Cherry tomatoes
2 handfuls fresh spinach
Juice of one lemon and zest
2-4 tablespoons of hummus
Garlic
Pickled onions
Salt and pepper 
Maple syrup (optional) 

Instructions: Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Add rinsed beans, lemon juice, hummus, cook for a few minutes. Add spinach and pickles onions, cook until spinach wilts. Season and sweeten to taste. Serve with crusty bread, cheese, and pickles. 

Healthy Homemade Butterfingers by Gathered Nutrition 

1 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 + 3/4 cup cornflake cereal
1 cup chocolate chips (dairy free, if needed)
1 tsp coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt for 2-4 minutes, until heated through and smooth.
2. Add peanut butter mixture to a large mix bowl with the cereal. Stir everything until well-combined, crushing the cereal a bit while mixing so that all of the cereal can get coated.
3. Form the mixture into logs- it should make 12-14 logs. Lay each log out onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
4. Once frozen, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove (be careful not to scorch the chocolate).
5. Dip each butterfinger in the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Return to lined plate and stick back in freezer until chocolate sets, about 10 minutes. Store in refrigerator or freezer

Support the show