How is it already mid-May?  We were just talking about the first signs of spring, and now summer is right around the corner. Our neighborhood pool opens back up this weekend, and this girl could certainly use some Vitamin D on her sun deprived skin (lathered in SPF, of course). Our mini-schnauzer mix, Norm, gets his summer haircut today. The groomer is located next door to the newest coffee shop in town, and it’s all within walking distance. I’m hoping the weather permits me to stroll over for an espresso before picking up our oldest (canine) child.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

FEAST YOUR EYES ON THE LATEST LINK ROUNDUP

• Grab those unripe tomatoes from your garden or grocery store and learn how to make the best fried green tomatoes.

• Calling all French food and wine lovers. Discover France’s new gastronomy and wine complex in the capital of France's central Burgundy region.

• You Should Start Cooking Fruits and Vegetables Confit

• It’s hard enough to resist the power of bread, let along read about 30 types of bread and what makes them unique

• Here are 11 easy okra recipes for weeknights—or any night
  

• Would You Like to Fly on the World’s First Wine Airline?

• I love history and thought this article on how Napoleon influenced the canned food industry was quite interesting.

• Growing up in Memphis, the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is not to be missed. It’s recognized by USAToday as the “most prestigious Barbecue Contest”. Here are the top 10 contenders at the competition this year.

• For all of my cookbook collectors out there – A cook who never used a cookbook now has her own. If you’re interested in learning more about Gullah Geechee food and culture, read this blog post I wrote on Vibration Cooking by Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor.