Summer Solstice Dinner!

Summer is my favorite season! I'm happiest when the temps are in the high-90s, the humidity is through the roof, and the cicadas hum so loud you can hear them indoors. As a native Southerner, I can take the heat. So naturally, Summer Solstice is pretty important to me.

Since I had a busy solstice night planned, I celebrated the changing of the seasons on Monday night with a spicy Latin-inspired meal of Pasta de los Angeles and Chili-Lime Rubbed Tofu from Appetite for Reduction:

The plate you see above has less than 400 calories! And it was oh-so-filling. The pasta is seasoned with lime juice, shallots, and garlic and tossed with sauteed tomatoes, spinach, and black beans. I took Isa's advice and served my noodles with her simple chili-lime baked tofu.

Of course, a proper summer celebration isn't complete without dessert. Since I'm so burnt-out with baking (after baking 160 cupcakes with my mom this weekend), I cheated and purchased a Lavender Vanilla Cupcake from Imagine Vegan Cafe:

The combo of vanilla cake and lush lavender frosting was beyond-words delicious. And look at the cute-ass little leaf embellishment.

More importantly, check out the plate the cupcake it sitting on! My best friend Sheridan got me me this as my bridesmaid's gift for helping with her wedding. It's by the Vegan Dish lady! I have one of her vegan bowls and a vegan mug, and this adorable saucer is the perfect addition to my collection.