CSA membership: In the spring I decided to join my local farm’s CSA. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. In June I was swimming in zucchini, and now I have the world’s largest supply of parsley per capita. Chimichurri? Tabouleh?

A plate of cheese & crackers: Ceci and Kat came over for dinner last week. While shopping for ingredients with Ceci, she picked up some cheese and crackers to hold us over until dinner. In a world full of flashy tablescapes and Instagrammy themes, having friends over for a simple weeknight dinner is such a relief. We had chicken cutlets and lots of veggies (see previous point).

An ice cream lineup: I took advantage of Whole Food’s ice cream sale in the middle of the month and stocked up on enough pints to last me the summer (and hopefully September). Jeni’s Brambleberry Crisp is one of my all time favorites (an all-grown-up version of Ben & Jerry’s strawberry cheesecake). Massachusetts-based New City Microcreamery has a tiramisu pint that takes a close second.

Squat wine glasses: I have no use for more glassware, but I can’t stop thinking about the cute little glasses in this post.

Baby boat tote: Not totally food & bev related, but I got a new set of totes from L.L.Bean. The one I intend to use for grocery trips and walks to the library is the same color as the ones my mom used for grocery shopping when I was a kid. Got my middle school nickname embroidered on it.

A dirty Negroni: If I’m not drinking wine, I spring for a Negroni. The other night I discovered that a splash of olive brine ties the whole glass together. It’s basically a dirty martini’s more carefree sister. A big jar of Frankie’s olives take up space in my fridge for moments like these. They’re the best snack and the brine is so elegant. Has anyone ever called a brine elegant?