Summer has arrived and so have the fresh vegetables.
My husband and I picked strawberries in June, and we had our grandchildren join us on a recent Saturday to pick some sweet cherries. The cherries were so big and beautiful, we stood next to one low branch and picked more than 10 pounds in just a matter of minutes. My herb garden is lush and green and beautiful. There's something about picking fresh herbs from your own backyard that makes your summer dishes just come alive. Today, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes using fresh produce, fresh herbs and berries.
Cayuga County is abundant with farmers markets at this time of year. The Citizen lists the markets that are in the county, so cut out the article the next time it's published and keep it within easy reach.
Try some fresh summer squash on the grill for a change of pace as your nightly vegetable. I marinade slices of squash in Italian dressing or brush them with the dressing while they are on the grill. I also brush them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and some granulated garlic. Grill them so they get nice grill marks on them, turn and baste again and grill until tender or to your liking.
I use my fresh herbs in my summer-time cold pasta, bean or rice salads. They bring out so many of the great flavors of summer you won't believe the difference between the fresh and the dried. Pick some blackberries and make smoothies or even jam for the winter. Blueberries will be ripe this month too, and they make great pies, muffins, jam and smoothies to name just a few ideas. Go through your old cookbooks, and you'll be surprised at how many tried and true recipes that you'll find. Once you sit down with your mother's or grandmother's old cookbook, you'll be amazed as you walk down memory lane. I'm sure you'll find some of the great recipes that you used to have when you were a kid. Try them.
Whatever you decide to make, have fun and experiment. Try something new and different. Go to your local farmers market and get some fresh greens for a salad you won't soon forget. If you were too late to start a herb garden this year, start planning for next year. Keep a list of the herbs you use most often and make sure you get some to plant next spring, you'll be glad you did. Pick up some squash and some new potatoes, and don't forget the green beans. Remember, the heart of the home is the kitchen.
Karen Luziani, who lives in Union Springs, is a self-taught pastry chef who specializes in cookies and decorating cakes. She can be reached at
underwood50@hotmail.com
Cayuga County
farmers markets:
€ Downtown Auburn: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 30
€ Port Byron from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 12, at Schasel Park
€ Moravia: from noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 25, in the Kinney Drugs Parking lot
Blackberry Banana Smoothie
2 cups orange juice
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
2 medium ripe bananas, cut into thirds and frozen
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
In a blender, combine all ingredients. Cover and process until blended. Serve immediately.
Basil Grilled Chicken
3/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
4 chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)
Press 3/4 teaspoon pepper into the meaty sides of chicken. Combine 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup chopped basil; stir well. Brush chicken lightly with melted butter mixture.
Combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons basil,
Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Beat together with a wooden spoon until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl; set aside.
Grill chicken over medium coals 8-10 minutes each side,
basting frequently with remaining melted butter mixture.
Serve grilled chicken with basil-butter mixture. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, if desired.
Cayuga County is abundant with farmers markets at this time of year. The Citizen lists the markets that are in the county, so cut out the article the next time it's published and keep it within easy reach.
Try some fresh summer squash on the grill for a change of pace as your nightly vegetable. I marinade slices of squash in Italian dressing or brush them with the dressing while they are on the grill. I also brush them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and some granulated garlic. Grill them so they get nice grill marks on them, turn and baste again and grill until tender or to your liking.
I use my fresh herbs in my summer-time cold pasta, bean or rice salads. They bring out so many of the great flavors of summer you won't believe the difference between the fresh and the dried. Pick some blackberries and make smoothies or even jam for the winter. Blueberries will be ripe this month too, and they make great pies, muffins, jam and smoothies to name just a few ideas. Go through your old cookbooks, and you'll be surprised at how many tried and true recipes that you'll find. Once you sit down with your mother's or grandmother's old cookbook, you'll be amazed as you walk down memory lane. I'm sure you'll find some of the great recipes that you used to have when you were a kid. Try them.
Whatever you decide to make, have fun and experiment. Try something new and different. Go to your local farmers market and get some fresh greens for a salad you won't soon forget. If you were too late to start a herb garden this year, start planning for next year. Keep a list of the herbs you use most often and make sure you get some to plant next spring, you'll be glad you did. Pick up some squash and some new potatoes, and don't forget the green beans. Remember, the heart of the home is the kitchen.
Karen Luziani, who lives in Union Springs, is a self-taught pastry chef who specializes in cookies and decorating cakes. She can be reached at
underwood50@hotmail.com
Cayuga County
farmers markets:
€ Downtown Auburn: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 30
€ Port Byron from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 12, at Schasel Park
€ Moravia: from noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 25, in the Kinney Drugs Parking lot
Blackberry Banana Smoothie
2 cups orange juice
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
2 medium ripe bananas, cut into thirds and frozen
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
In a blender, combine all ingredients. Cover and process until blended. Serve immediately.
Basil Grilled Chicken
3/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
4 chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)
Press 3/4 teaspoon pepper into the meaty sides of chicken. Combine 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup chopped basil; stir well. Brush chicken lightly with melted butter mixture.
Combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons basil,
Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Beat together with a wooden spoon until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl; set aside.
Grill chicken over medium coals 8-10 minutes each side,
basting frequently with remaining melted butter mixture.
Serve grilled chicken with basil-butter mixture. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, if desired.
