Summer is in full swing here in Milwaukie, Oregon, which means two things: it ishot(100 degrees earlier this week!), and there is an incredible array of fresh produce for us to enjoy. In this month's Fresh & Seasonal Recipes, you'll find our favorite uses for delicious fresh produce, as well as some frozen treats that will help you chill out.

Apples

Apples are delicious all year round (and are an excellent source of fiber) but these Apple Muesli Sandwiches are a cute and clever way to enjoy them without heating up the kitchen. Here, apples are cored and sliced horizontally before being spread with sunbutter and sprinkled with Gluten Free Muesli. Apples and oatmeal are a creamy, comforting combination, which is why we love this Apple Cinnamon Walnut Oatmeal. Chewy, substantial Steel Cut Oats are cooked with apples, spices and crunchy walnuts for a breakfast that will satisfy all morning long!

Butternut Squash

A good source of potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamin B-6 and an excellent source of vitamin C, butternut squash is flavorful and vibrantly colored. We love it in this Market Greens with Millet salad. Slightly sweet Hulled Millet is tossed with fresh summer greens, roasted squash and fresh herbs, then tossed with a sherry-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a backyard barbecue! Looking for comfort food? This Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage & Pumpkin is made with toasted Organic Pumpkin Seeds, pureed butternut squash, aromatics and fresh herbs, with a sprinkling of "cheesy" Nutritional Yeast stirred in for extra richness and flavor.

Eggplant

Mild, creamy eggplant is a good source of fiber with a mild flavor. It absorbs flavors readily, which makes it an excellent choice for many dishes. This Smoky Eggplant Ravioli in a Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce is a wonderful special occasion vegan dish. Fresh pasta made with Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour and Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is filled with a creamy mixture of eggplant, chickpeas and spices, and blanketed in a rich cashew "cream" sauce. Did you know you can make soy-free tofu with Chickpea Flour? It's the centerpiece of this delicious Burmese Tofu with Cilantro Lime Stir Fried Vegetables. Eggplant and other veggies like snap peas, broccoli, baby corn and carrots are stir fried in a sweet-and-savory lime sauce and served with the tofu over rice.

Figs

Figs are rich and chewy, with a wonderful flavor and texture that harmonizes with both sweet and savory dishes. We love them on these Gluten Free Prosciutto, Fig & Goat Cheese Tartines. Here, a crisp crust made with Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, butter and fresh herbs is topped with goat cheese, ripe figs, prosciutto, arugula and onion, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It's delicious, fresh and satisfying! Capture this season's fig bounty and get your holiday baking done early with this Gluten Free Fruitcake! This flavorful, moist cake made with Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is lighter than traditional fruitcake and studded with dried cherries, figs, candied ginger and raisins, and laced with rum. After baking and cooling, wrap in plastic wrap and then in foil (label it!) before freezing and you'll have a traditional treat ready to go this December.

Frozen Treats

You've no doubt heard of banana "ice cream" made with pureed frozen bananas. Our Banana Bread Ice Cream is made with frozen bananas, Gluten Free Quick Rolled Oats, Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster, nutmeg and your milk of choice to make a luscious vegan dessert (or even breakfast)! These Frozen Protein Yogurt Bites are cool and creamy, the perfect snack on a blisteringly hot day. Here milk, Greek yogurt, Chocolate Protein Powder Nutritional Booster and strawberries are blended, poured into molds and frozen. Ice cream sandwiches are a traditional summertime treat, and making them yourself is easier than it sounds! To make Coconut Oatmeal Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, start out making some delicious cookies with Regular Rolled Oats, Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, Coconut Flakes, macadamia nuts and white chocolate. Once they cool, sandwich them together with softened vanilla ice cream, wrap well, and freeze until you need a cool treat! Hope you have a safe and happy August! Do you have a favorite summer recipe to share? Post it below!