I hear Fall knocking on my doorstep.

Schedules, for September, October and November are already filling up. I could have sworn I felt a nip in the air the other morning when I went out to walk and, of course, the kids are back in school. They seem to start earlier and earlier these days.

My own grandchildren went back this week (and last) and Publix is packed with UM students filling their grocery carts with either healthy food or junky food. Football season is RIGHT around the corner. The first UM game against Notre Dame is August 31st, which is earlier than I ever remember. And it’s on a Sunday on Labor Day weekend!

Tempting as it is to dive into this pumpkin-spiced, sepia-tinted, Hallmark dream of Fall, I want to hold on to Summer a little longer! There were so many things I didn’t get to do (like swimming in my pool), summery dishes I didn’t get to make, places I didn’t get to go.

Some of the things I want for Summer 2025:

Creative Cocktails I want a French 75 (my favorite), Hugo Spritz, Passion Fruit Martini and a Daiquiri to sip this summer.

Fresh Flavors Mango season is gone (at least for me) but there are now avocados on my tree and starfruit. At the market, corn, tomatoes, zucchini, lemons, limes, cantaloupe, peaches, plums and watermelon scream of summer.

Cool Dishes and Salads Like Spicy Peanut Noodles anyone? Because it’s too hot to be in the kitchen for long.

Spicy Dishes Like Jerk Chicken with pigeon peas, rice and pineapple Cole slaw. The best! Spice beats the heat.

Yummy Sandwiches (Bahn Mi) and Cool Soups I’m not a big fan of Gazpacho but I love a good Vichyssoise or cold Zucchini Soup.

Fruit Sorbets and Soft Serve Ice Cream To make the most of the fruits of the Summer and just because it’s delicious and cool.

Stuff on the Grill Like Grilled Flank or Skirt Steak with a fresh chimichurri, grilled scallions and other veggies.

Ceviche To use some of the fish my hubby caught. I also saw a ceviche recipe with watermelon that sounds mouth-watering. If you don’t have fresh fish, shrimp or scallop ceviche is always welcome.

Food Projects I want to try this summer: Broccoli Sprouts, Hot Honey, Lemon Pepper, Red Wine Salt, Dubai Chocolate Bar, Cottage Cheese Bagels, Ranch Dressing, Pickle Vodka.

In keeping with the Summer Theme, here are some of Food and Wine Best Picks for Summer Treats

Best Pickles: Whole Foods Marinated Pickle Spears

Best Hot Dog: Hebrew National All Beef

Best BBQ Sauce: Sweet Baby Rays

I get Food and Wine’s newsletter in my email and they always have interesting articles and delicious sounding recipes.

One more random note about a Trader Joe’s product I got and really liked: Meyer Lemon Biscotti. Crunchy, citrusy and summery. They would be great with soft vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet.

Jaws came out 50 years ago and I’ve already watched it several times this summer. It is the ultimate Summer Movie for me. The summer after it came out I got stranded on a Sunfish sailboat overnight with my 10-year-old sister Elise in the Keys and all the bloody scenes from Jaws, and a book I’d just read about shark attacks, came back to haunt me. But that is a story for another day.

Miami Spice started August 1st and goes until the end of September. I’ve already tried one restaurant- Daniels, in the old Fiola space. It was excellent, quite the scene and packed at 6:15 at night. For Miami Spice, I’ve made my list and I’m checking it twice for all the best restaurants in Miami to try. The price has gone up to $60, but I feel the restaurants have stepped up the Miami Spice menus in accordance. When it was cheaper, you got the usual suspects of Caesar salad, Chicken and Lava Cake. The increase of price has led to an increase in creativity and choices, so it’s worth it.

And actually, despite all signs to the contrary, Summer doesn’t actually end until September 21st. So, I’m gonna be like Sheryl Crow and Soak Up The Sun for the next month!

“I’m gonna soak up the sun While it’s still free I’m gonna soak up the sun Before it goes out on me.” Sheryl Crow

Up Next: Santa Domingo Trip