Let Freedom Ring

Happy 4th of July! 

Flashback: It is Sunday, July 4th on Cape Cod.

I'm happy as can be on a 7 mile bike ride from 

Yarmouthport to West Dennis Beach.

The last time Adam and I took a bike ride together was about 10 months ago. 

I was here.

I'll basically use any excuse I can to reminisce on time spent in Europe. In September 2009 we visited Paris. The Palace of Versailles and the bike tour through the gardens were magical.
Our bike ride on Cape was pretty magical, too. We rode past the house I grew up in, the woods I explored as a child, the houses I partied at in high school, the pond I used to ice skate at, even my old pre-school (in that order). Smack dab in the middle of all that we stopped here for breakfast.

Can you tell the owners have a sense of humor?

Iced Coffee was very necessary to begin.

Often The Red Cottage has a wait, however today we were seated in record time. The service is always speedy so no matter the crowd I'd stick around. It is worth the wait! I got 2 eggs over medium, home fries, white toast and one (monster) apple sausage ($6.99).

Breakfast never tasted so rewarding.

The Red Cottage is cash only and breakfast here is easy on the wallet.
Located at 36 Old Bass River Rd in South Dennis, The Red Cottage is another quality spot if you are visiting the mid-cape.

All fueled up - it was back on the bikes and our destination was reached in no time.

Welcome to the beach.

There was beers, bocce tournaments, plenty of swimming and the second best thing about having a house on the beach (first being the fact that you wake up and don't have to go anywhere, ever) is leftovers. But not just any leftovers my friends....
As in, not the kind that you can pack in a cooler. It's Gretchen's Cioppino.
And her Blueberry Crumble topped with Sundae School homemade vanilla ice cream.

We are so lucky for these friends!

Back at my Mom's house we whipped up a mango salsa with sautéed red pepper, jalapenos, onion, cilantro and lime juice.

Which would be topping our grilled haddock over cauliflower garlic mashed potatoes.

Served with whole grain toast, a tomato avocado salad and steamed organic broccoli from Mom's garden.

Oh and a crisp refreshing glass of Sea Ridge Chardonnay.

Everything came together really well, the meal was summery and delicious! We ate outside on the back deck.

I am so appreciative to have people in my life like Gretchen and my Mom who are always experimenting in the kitchen and coming up with seasonally inspired, noteworthy meals.

How was your 4th of July?