Watermelon Bruschetta

...plus a creative weekend at The Polka Dot House and my new wine collab with Sandar & Hem!

Artist Kelly Carambula and me in front of her studio and gallery, The Polka Dot House

Happy Friday, friends!

I am just back from Minnesota where we had a fun, art-filled weekend. My friend Kelly has created a space that I find truly inspiring! She bought an old house in the small waterfront town of Excelsior, MN town and transformed it into her art studio and gallery. I often dream about opening some sort of storefront space centered on creativity and community, and that’s exactly what she’s done with The Polka Dot House. She hosted a book signing and watercolor class for me and there were so many beautiful, artful details throughout the weekend. I love Kelly’s art and everything she does!

Alma Rose Floral did a stunning fresh-flower entryway inspired by the border on my book cover which really set the scene. We had an amazing group of creative women for the class and we sipped my new wine collab with Sandar & Hem, a small winemaker (another friend!) in California. It’s a very pretty bottle to gift or serve. My floral paintings from The Watercolor Feast are featured on the label and it’s available online now!

So fun to serve my wine collab with Sandar & Hem…this 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is so good!! And available online now!

I love Kelly’s colorful artwork — she works in many mediums including clay, paper, fabric and wood.

Thank you to everyone who came for the watercolor class, it was a wonderful creative afternoon!

Summer Recipe Ideas!

• An easy summer BBQ menu with Peach Burrata Salad, a Lentil Salad, a Roasted Potato/Aruglula Salad and Beyond Kebabs

• Peach Sangria or Cucumber Mint Sangria

• Watermelon Bruschetta

Watermelon Bruschetta

I love how adaptable this recipe is…be creative and make it your own! Cheese, bread, fruit and herbs…you can’t go wrong :)

1. In a mixing bowl, make a salsa by tossing equal parts diced watermelon and tomato, mint or basil (or both!), olive oil and salt.

2. Top slices of baguette (toasted or not!) with cheese (such as ricotta salata, fresh mozzarella or creamy goat cheese)

3. Spoon a scoop of the bruschetta “salsa” onto each toast. Enjoy! (You could also add some kick with a drizzle of chili crunch).

+ + +

For Father’s Day we rented a boat here in Madison and had a blast. Plus, my parents are visiting and I’ve put my dad (a retired contractor) to WORK! Project updates coming next time!

My ever-supportive parents sporting their orange tree Forest Feast gear :)

fun to cruise near the University to hear the live music on the water

Swimming off the boat in Lake Mendota—summer in Madison is the best!

Cheers to the weekend and enjoy the longest day of the year tomorrow!

xx

Erin

Thank you to everyone who has ordered, shared and painted from The Watercolor Feast! And thanks to everyone who has written a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Find more cookbook info, watercolor supplies + vegetarian recipes at theforestfeast.com