no. 111: squash blossom quesadilla with zucchini, goat cheese, and hot honey

Plus, my DUUUUPE of the week.

My friend, Avana, has been staying with me for the past couple days, and I’ve been happily busy showing her some of my favorite spots around town. We hiked up to Griffith Observatory (and got an obligatory fresh fruit cup with Tajin and chamoy at the end), ate dinner at Jitlada, brunched at Millie’s, walked around the Silver Lake reservoir, and frequented the good folks at Jeni’s AND Salt and Straw.

I love having sleepovers with my friends, and hosting them in my apartment. I am big girl!!!! I love summer and I love LA!!!!! And here are some other things I’ve been loving!

Women's Peyton Double Buckle Slingback Flats with Memory Foam Insole

I went to dinner this week at Leopardo with my friends, Katie and Nick, and upon arrival, Nick asked if my shoes were Lisa Says Gah and Katie asked if they were Ganni. Katie’s guess was obviously the better one, but I will give Nick the benefit of the doubt because that’s a pretty good guess, especially given his obvious handicap (being a man).

Anyway, I happened upon these at Target ($35!!!), and I am delighted by this purchase. I feel like the Wild Fable line at Target is not intended for 30-year-olds, but here I am, positively strutting around the streets of Los Angeles in my Ganni DUUUUPES (the OG pair is $425).

Target shoes can be hit or miss in the comfort department but these have memory foam (!) and I have now worn them three times and have zero blisters to show for it. Success!

Fishwife Smoked Trout 2.0

It is me, your official Fishwife correspondent, letting you know that Fishwife has re-launched their smoked rainbow trout and it is daaaaaangerously good. Their old trout was previously my favorite product but this new version is just…special. New fav alert!!!! So buttery and tender and DELISH. Might I suggest you grab a few tins and whip up my trout Caesar wrap?!

Squash Blossom Quesadillas with Zucchini, Goat Cheese, and Hot Honey with Basil Lime Crema

Makes 2 quesadillas

Active time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

I made ricotta-filled squash blossoms for an event a couple weeks ago, and it got me thinking about what else you can do with these cute little blossoms. The idea of a squash blossom quesadilla popped into my head, and I have been dreaming up this creation since then.

The ‘dilla incorporates other farmers’ market goodies, like corn, zucchini, jalapeños, and fresh basil. It is a true celebration of the garden and sweet, sweet summertime.

I use a combo of crumbled goat cheese and Oaxaca cheese (or any shredded cheese that melts) so that you get the tangy flavors of goat cheese, yet still some good, melty action. For me, the sweet and spiciness from the hot honey is what ties this all together. I have this bottle of Zab’s hot honey, but you could also use regular honey and a pinch of red chili flakes.

I used this grill press from Our Place to press the quesadilla down. It’s not completely necessary, but I do love this thing for searing proteins, tuna melts (a common occurrence in my kitchen), and burgers.