Pimm’s Punch, a spring and summer cocktail.
I distinctly remember the first time I saw Shelly’s work.
It was in 2014.
It was a festive punch with candied rosemary.
I was in awe of Shelly’s ability to create vibrant and minimal, yet intricate photographs. And although her style and artistry has morphed and grown through the years to reflect who she is now, that post still maintains all that is, Vegetarian ‘Ventures.
For me writing this blog, it’s all about transparency. I place a lot of value on authenticity and staying true to yourself. And I want to read and follow blogs that are doing that, and bringing something new to the table. Because if you aren’t doing that, why are you doing it at all? To stand out in a completely saturated food blogging world, it’s imperative to convey who you are through your writing and imagery and recipe development. Shelly embodies all of this.
With every recipe and image, Shelly is herself. And in real life she’s as sweet and wonderful as her writing would lead on to. As a vegetarian, in a heavily carnivorous part of the country, her new book Vegetarian Heartland: Recipes for Life’s Adventures gives a glimpse of what it’s like to be Shelly. The book is rich with Midwestern adventures, and vibrant plant-based food. My favorite part is how the book is organized. Into chapters named after the seasons and activities like, brunch and hiking excursions and playing in the snow. I know, it’s fun. We all wanna be Shelly right now.
This Pimm’s punch recipe comes from the Spring/picnic chapter. It’s light and refreshing with hints of fresh cucumber and strawberries. It is easy to whip up and is a real stunner with all those chunks of fresh produce. The most brilliant part about this recipe is the simple syrup. Instead of boiling it, the recipe combines cucumbers and sugar sitting together overnight. You know, similar to making strawberries for strawberry shortcake.
The book is out June 20, but available for pre-order now. And! I’m excited to give away a copy of Vegetarian Heartland {thanks Chronicle Books!} and a delicious artisan barbecue spice blend made by Shelly herself. To enter leave me a comment below. I’ll choose a winner at random on May 30 at noon Central, and notify the winner by email. Contest is open to readers in the United States.
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced small
- 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 large cucumber, unpeeled and thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 2 cups whole strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- 1/2 bottle Pimm’s No. 1
- 1 cups gin
- 6 cups sparkling water or club soda
- ice cubes for serving
- In a small bowl, combine the peeled and diced cucumber with the sugar. Mix well until the cucumber pieces are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or up to 8 hours. Pour the liquid out of the bowl and discard the rest now you have cucumber simple syrup.
- In a large punch bowl or pitcher combine the sliced cucumber, lemon, strawberries and blackberries. Pour in the Pimm’s, gin, sparkling water, and the cucumber simple syrup and stir until combined.
- Fill glasses with ice and ladle in the punch.
- Enjoy responsibly!
{{this giveaway is closed}}
Thanks to the folks at Chronicle Books for gifting me an advance copy of Vegetarian Heartland: Recipes for Life’s Adventures!
Kerri says
Looks georgous (both the book and the drink)!
Maggie says
Yum! I now know what I’m making with the strawberries in my first CSA pickup.
DessertForTwo says
I love it when you make drinks for us!
Sherrie says
I love it when you drink them for me, xx.
Karlie says
Yay! I love love Shelly’s blog and the book looks beautiful! Have a great weekend! xx
Danielle says
What a refreshing summer drink, I’d love to see what else is inside that cookbook!
Shoshana Rose says
I love cookbooks that are divided by season – perfect for the way I cook!
Sophie MacKenzie says
Pimm’s cup is my favourite go to summer cocktail. This version is gorgeous and totally going on this years menu.
Lily | Kale & Caramel says
These are just gorgeous! Hooray for Shelly and her beautiful book! I’m in love. And I totally agree with you: the fun of the book shines through gorgeously. Just like your beautiful photos and this delicious cup.
Rachael @ Rachael's Foodie Life says
This punch is gorgeous! There is little I love more than inviting my nearest and dearest over for drinks, nibbles and fun and I know they would love this punch
Venice Williams says
Sounds yummy!
Meredith says
Like With Food + Love, Shelly’s blog has inspired me to cook delicious feel-good food. Glimpsing at the preview of her new book (yay!) makes me want to cook all the delicious recipes as well as hop on a plane to visit the big beautiful Midwest! But for now, I’m happily reaching for this Pimm’s.
Eileen says
This cookbook sounds so good! And just look at all the fresh fruit in that glass – so refreshing. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Melanie huttner says
Sounds and looks delicious! Would love to read this book!
Valentina | The Blue Bride says
I never drink alcohol but this cocktail sounds interesting!
Julia says
What a great classic drink!
Annette says
What a beautiful looking beverage. The cover of the cookbook looks so appealing. I’d love to try it.
Lily says
I just recently became vegetarian, so this would be great for me to find some new recipes!
ali says
The cookbook sounds awesome! And the drink sounds pretty tasty too.
Brie says
One of my favorite food blogs for healthy inspiration! What a fun sounding book!
Sherrie says
Shelly is the best!
Natalia says
This looks like a beautiful beverage! The book looks lovely, would love to have it home!
Robin Berger says
That book looks beautiful and so does the Pimm’s cocktail. Unfortunately it is cold and damp right now and it doesn’t feel like summer just yet but everything is growing and looking quite green.
Celesta says
Thank you Sherrie, I would love the new veggie cookbook. Today I made your strawberry sauce, sweetened with some blackberry jam with a dash of lemon juice. Divine over chocolate cake! Please keep these delicious ideas coming. Cheers, Celesta
Rachel Schwallier says
Greetings from Michigan. Yum-a-licious! The fresh fruit and herb will make my summery feeling day so much sweeter. High five.
Danielle Monique says
Your photography and site are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts with us. Sweet day to you and yours, Danielle
Sherrie says
Thank you for leaving me such a beautiful comment, Danielle. You made my day, xx!
Pauline says
I just started eating a mainly-veggie lifestyle a few months ago, and would love to have a cookbook that celebrates the vegetables of summer. Thanks for the opportunity, Sherrie!
Sonia says
Pimm’s is one of my favorites! And the cover of her book is stunning. Can’t wait to see the inside!
Mianna Harlepp says
Oooh, so refreshing. Summer is finally here!
Colleen Cervantes says
OMG. I just read a whole write up about PIMM’s and their various flavors and substitutes. I am so lucky to be in California and able to get the various specialty liquors. Hope to win the cookbook. I am sure I will enjoy the recipes and pictures. Thank you.
Melissa says
That book looks amazing!! And the cocktails too!!
jacquie says
This cookbook looks wonderful!
Anne says
The cookbook looks amazing and so does the beverage!
Rebecca says
Looks and sounds refreshing!
catherine h. says
What an awesome summer addition to the cookbook shelf! I want!!
Jessica L says
Such an awesome giveaway! I’ve been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet and would love to have this book for even more inspiration.
Wendy Welch says
Those drinks love divine! I would love to win the book!
Shelly @ Vegetarian 'Ventures says
Sherrie! Thank you so much for the kind words and VH love! These photos are seriously insane and I can’t get over your kind words. <3 <3 <3
Sherrie says
Love you girl! xx