Fig & Nectarine Granita and a Love Like This

Sometimes in life a moment strikes that sends ripples through our community and life. And when something hits with the force of a thousand tidal waves, we take stock of our place and the people that impact it. That's what happened recently. And it's happening still today.

When we found out that someone in this food blog community lost their loved one, spouse and best friend, we all banded together to do what we could to help. And then, after the lights were turned off, we took comfort in the love we're blessed to be surrounded by. Our family and spouses. That's what I did. I do.

I didn't need a reminder to appreciate my wife or tell her I love her, but it doesn't hurt. She's my sounding board and is always willing to listen. She'll let me talk about these past few weeks and comforts me and loves me. Unconditionally. I never had a love like this.

One of the best things that's happened  to us lately is working as a team shooting and documenting someone's wedding day. The day itself is beautiful, from the vows and exchange of rings to the blessing of an entire room filled with loved ones. Yet, there's something deeper at play. Maybe even more meaningful. To me, it is.

As I look across the church from my spot snapping away, I'll catch my wife in action. She may pause or look back but, no matter what, when the words of the minister carry across the room I beging remembering my own words from not that long ago. It impacts me. As it does them.

At some point during the reception, without fail, maybe during speeches or toasts, I'll remember a moment from my own wedding and that incredibly special day and I fall back in love with my wife all over again. Over and over. I see something in her eyes and it reminds me of something I saw when we shared that incredible moment together.

This past weekend day was amazing. We'd be planning for the shoot since we met the bride and groom a few weeks ago to go over last minute details and site locations for shoots between the church and reception. Everything these last few weeks has been leading towards the big day. For everyone.

We started the day taking different paths knowing we'd meet back up together, like we always do. She went to the bride's house and I hit up the groom's. We captured memories and life's treasures by the minute and left the houses to head to the church. I met up with my wife and we travelled there together to greet them. Meet them.

We spent the next hour working the aisles of the church watching someone's greatest day unfold in front of our eyes. And in front of their own. And then, right after they were officially married, we took some precious shots with their grandmother's. And everyone important to them.

The long day was only going to get longer. We rushed off to the reception hall to prep for yet a different lighting scenario and spent the next five hours documenting some of the best moments from a wedding I've ever seen. There were tears, laughter and memories to carry them through the rest of their lives. And some pictures, just in case they forget.

I loved every minute of this wedding, of photographing it. And, while the ceremony and reception spoke volumes about the love they had for each other, it also reminded me just how much I love my one and only. A love like this.

So when we finally woke up the next day, after a sleep that never seemed to end, I did so knowing I had a beautiful summer day still in my grasp. It may be leaving but it isn't gone yet. And that's how I planned on attacking it.

I hit up the market and grabbed some fresh Ontario nectarines and figs. Gorgeous leathery soft-skinned figs. I came home and immediately thought about making a granita to cool us down from the last of the hot summer heat. After a few hours of waiting, it was ready.

I grabbed a couple of tall glasses and filled them with the soft icy chards of granita and a couple of spoons. We sat outside and let the warm sun shine on our face and reflected on the last couple of weeks. And the lovely weekend and wedding that was. And I started thinking about the beautiful woman I turn to and share it all with. My wife. Always my wife.

From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!


** Now before you head to the recipe, it's time to announce the winner of last week's Calphaon giveaway!! I entered the comment numbers into a random generator and...

The Winner is... Paula @bell'alimento. Congratulations!!




Fig & Nectarine Granita

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 2 cups water
• 4 nectarines, stone removed and roughly chopped
• 5 figs, chopped

Prep:

1. Add sugar and water to a medium saucepan over low heat and whisk until dissolved.
2. Place chopped nectarines and figs in a blender and pulse until smooth. Add it into the sugar/water mixture and stir.
3. Pour the contents into a metal tin [loaf pan will suffice] and place in the freezer. After one hour, remove and use a fork to rake across the top and return to the freezer. Repeat each hour for 3 more hours.
4. Serves 6.