Summertime, and the living is easy. The drinks are cool, the sunsets are hot, and the air of ease carries us through everything we do.

It’s the season of patios and beaches, outdoor twinkle lights, long lingering nights, soft warm mornings and fresh air everywhere.

Some people think of summer an excuse to eat “whatever and wherever and whenever”. That you’re too busy to think too hard about your food. I mean, agreed on the thinking too hard part and wanting it to be easy. 

But the other? Personally, I’ve found summer is actually the opposite of the wherever-whenever-whatetever mentality: it’s the perfect time of year to put even more intention into celebrating life, good friends and family, and the simple art of feeding ourselves well- with food from the earth, in all it’s juicy and ripened glory. 

Summer is the time to bless and be blessed by the beauty and nourishment of food, to our bodies, but also our hearts. To be nourished by conversation, quality time and memories too. To slow down enough to feel the breeze, to watch the sun set, and to be filled with a sense of calm, laughter and ease. 

Sometimes we forget how simple it can be to eat well and feel well.

And what else is created around us when we do and make the time for it.

The magic only begins there, sweet friends. Happy summering season to you, ahead. 

Maple-Hot Sauce Grilled Chicken with Grilled Peaches

Makes approximately 4 chicken breasts

Notes: This marinade works great for steak, shrimp and fish too! If peaches are not in season, use whatever fruit is, like apples, pears, plums, or berries, or veggies of your choice instead.

4 organic chicken breasts

2 peaches, semi-firm, sliced in half

For the Maple-Hot Sauce

4 tablespoons maple syrup

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more if you like it spicy)

½ teaspoon sea salt and pepper

Mix marinade ingredients together first, then place chicken and peaches in a shallow glass baking dish or plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the top for up to 24 hours before grilling, pan frying on the stove or baking at 375°F until cooked through, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too. And be sure to check out the seasonal meal plans (or the new easy DINNER ONLY plan)! Wanna know more about this real-food lifestyle made simple I always talk about? Be sure to check out this little podcast workshop I created for you, called: Simply Real FOOD: Real food, finally explained. Check it out here!