July on a Plate!

There’s something about July that just feels like the heart of summer. The days are long, the sun is strong, and every weekend feels like an invitation to slow down and soak it all in. For me, July means one thing: lake house season. As soon as the temps rise, I pack my bags and head for the water—early mornings with coffee on the dock, late nights under the stars, and everything in between feels like pure summer magic.

One of my favorite traditions every year is celebrating the 4th of July with a full day on the water, followed by fireworks that light up the sky over the lake. There's something timeless about watching the night sparkle, surrounded by family, laughter, and the smells of something good cooking in the background. These are the moments that inspire so many of the recipes I share here: easy, fresh, and meant to be enjoyed with people you love.

When it comes to cooking in July, I lean into the season’s bounty. It’s peak produce time, and I couldn’t be more excited. Corn, zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, carrots… and of course, my forever favorite: tomatoes. I wait all year for tomatoes like these—juicy, sun-ripened, and perfect in everything from salads to salsas. Expect to see a lot of tomato love on the blog this month.

If you're hitting the farmer’s market (or just browsing the grocery store with fresh eyes), here's what’s in season this month:

In-Season in July:

Fruits

• Berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)

• Peaches

• Plums

• Grapes

• Watermelon

• Nectarine

Vegetables

• Tomatoes

• Corn

• Bell peppers

• Zucchini

• Summer squash

• Green beans

• Peas

• Fennel

• Eggplant

• Beets

• Carrots

Since it's hot out and I'm often cooking at the lake, I keep things light and simple. Think grilling veggies or tossing ingredients onto sheet pans and calling it dinner. You might even see a few grilling recipes make an appearance! But while I love summer cookouts, you won’t see many burgers or hot dogs in my meal plans—nothing against them, but I try to keep things on the healthier side, focusing on whole foods and minimizing processed meats.

July meals are meant to be vibrant and full of life, just like the season itself. Whether you’re heading to the lake, staying in the city, or just trying to beat the heat, I hope the recipes this month bring a little sunshine to your table.

Here’s to good food, good company, and a whole lot of good thyme this July.

🌿 In Good Thyme