Farm To Market Days

Summer may begin in June but, for many parts of the country, gardens don't reach their peak until August. Modern grocery stores manage to keep us satisfied with produce year round, but there is nothing like the flavor of farm fresh tomatoes, peaches, or sweet corn. And there is nothing like the experience of buying from local growers who are proud of their wares.

The first farmers' markets started over a century before the Declaration of Independence. Since then, it has become an American tradition to buy fresh produce, flowers, eggs and cheese from markets and roadside stands. In the beginning, farmers would brave muddy roads in their horse-drawn wagons. As time went on, farmers made the weekly trek to town in pick-ups, where they'd pile bushels of fruit and vegetables high on the tailgate of their trucks. Today, many lucky city dwellers visit markets that are open every day.

My favorite though, is our county farmers' market held on the courthouse grounds. It's open only on Saturday mornings, and only June - October. It may sound inconvenient but, for my family, it's a summer ritual. We wake early and arrive disheveled, rarely taking the time to comb through our hair. For breakfast, we buy scones from our favorite bread stand and snatch up the best looking fruit we see. My son is an expert at choosing "chin dripping" peaches, always looking for the most fragrant and the heaviest peach that can sit in the palm of his small hand. My husband lounges on the grass and watches the people go by as I scribble a list of what is available, anticipating the culinary treats that only summer brings. There is nothing like fresh corn on the cob, cold gazpacho with homegrown tomatoes, or homemade fruit sorbet. We always have a batch of sorbet on hand, each week a different flavor. Sometimes we experiment by combining fruit with fresh herbs, but most of the time we simple puree 2 cups of fruit with a little citrus juice and a bit of honey, and then freeze it in an ice cream maker. My boys and their friends think it's a decadent treat.

Summer vacation is about to end, and our weekly ritual will soon give way to soccer games and birthday parties. Lucky for me, the farmers will be back next year with their trucks piled high, just as they've done for generations.

MARKET FRESH FRUIT DIP

This makes a terrific afternoon snack on a warm summer's day. When entertaining, serve in a honeydew melon half and decorate the rim with fresh blueberries and mint sprigs.

Ingredients

1 Pint Strawberries

2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice

3 Tablespoons Honey

4 oz Cream Cheese, Room Temperature

1 Cup Plain Yogurt

Assorted Fruit Slices

Directions

1. Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops.

2. Place strawberries in a blender or food processor with lemon juice, honey, cream cheese, and yogurt. Puree until smooth.

3. To make a honeydew melon bowl, cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice a 3 inch diameter circle off the rounded bottom of the rind so your bowl will sit flat.

4. Serve with slices of your favorite summer fruit. Peaches, plums, apples, and melons all work well and make a colorful presentation.

Copyright 2004 Nine Twenty Press

http://www.togetherparenting.com

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

1. Printed in its full form with no changes

2. Includes an active link

3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact

4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article:

About the Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit

To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp

To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp

In The News:

---

Weight Loss Recipe: Whole Fish In Ginger Sauce

Lean protein is your diet is essential to weight loss... Read More

Low Fat Salmon Recipes

Finding delicious low fat salmon recipes has just become easier... Read More

How to Bake Quick Bread: Apricot-Orange Nut

We love moist, fruity quick breads--and this is one of... Read More

Toasted Spiced Walnuts

You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More

Mrs. Butters? Secret Key Lime Pie Recipe

"Frozen Key Lime Pie recipe?" Fern Butters asked. "Child, I'll... Read More

Steamed Bread: Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce

Steamed breads are so versatile. We love the outdoors and... Read More

Basic Quick Mix and Recipes

With an easy basic quick mix, you can make a... Read More

10 Tips for Fixing Heart Healthy Recipes

Do you remember Grandma's apple cobbler? Is spaghetti one of... Read More

Wonderful Holiday Recipe Ideas

The Holiday Season is upon us and soon we will... Read More

Cinco de Mayo Recipe

My ex reminded me last week that the holiday that... Read More

Easy Spaghetti Recipes

Spaghetti has always been a favorite family meal. My teenage... Read More

Main Dish Zucchini Recipes

With summer coming to an end, you probably have an... Read More

Weight Loss Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Just because you are watching your weight, doesn't mean the... Read More

A Pease Journey

Remnants of dried peas were found in Egyptian tombs. Hot... Read More

Tuna Patties With Lemon Dill Sauce

Lean protein is your diet is essential to weight loss... Read More

Looking for a Great Italian Meatball Recipe?

Looking for a great Italian meatball recipe? Wrap your lips... Read More

The Secret To Making Perfect Chili Fit For A King

Every autumn my thoughts turn to making chili. The garden... Read More

Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate

Serendipity frozen hot chocolate is a signature dish at the... Read More

Frugal and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Here it is - that time of year when everyone's... Read More

Sot Suppe (Norwegian Sweet Soup)

My mother was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded... Read More

How to Bake: Easy Sourdough Bread

A customer emailed us and said that her mother loved... Read More

Ediths Cake That Thrilled the French

Twenty-three chefs who cooked for world royalty and heads of... Read More

Easy Holiday Quick Bread Recipes

Quick breads are a quick, easy accompaniment to any holiday... Read More

Weight Loss Recipe: Spicy Chicken Cacciatore

Just because you are watching your weight, doesn't mean the... Read More

Do You Know How Many Ways There Are To Eat A Cat Head Biscuit?

A time honored Southern tradition, the infamous "Cat Head" biscuit... Read More

Grilled Scallops with Ginger-Lime Sauce

Summer time is great for barbequing, but aren't you tired... Read More

Fancy Up Your Muffins

We introduced muffins to you last week and many of... Read More

Spanish Food - The Perfect Paella

Looking for a traditional Spanish recipe? Without doubt, the best-known... Read More

Four Easy Zucchini Bread Recipes

Tired of the same old zucchini bread recipe and want... Read More

Weight Loss Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Enjoy the sensation of fried chicken without the extra calories... Read More

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Homemade cookies from scratch in 20 minutes!!? 2 six-ounce packages... Read More

What Wise Guys Eat

When I lived in the North End of Boston, in... Read More

Save Time with No-Bake Cookies

Whether you don't want to heat up the kitchen or... Read More