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We are now at the point in the summer when I traditionally start to feel a little anxious. You see, while the bounty of the summer growing season is still going strong and the piles of heirloom tomatoes at the farmers markets make it hard for anyone to image a time when such abundance isn't be available, I can feel the end approaching. We've already said good-bye to the asparagus, strawberries, cherries, raspberries and tender greens for the year (although some greens will re-appear in September, when the weather cools down again). I can tell that the apricots are waning and the plums, peaches and nectarines won't be far behind.
I shopped for produce yesterday and today, filling my fridge with vibrant bunches of swiss chard and large bags of local string beans. I've been buying cucumbers, bags of the round lemon cukes, quarts of kirbys and handfuls the prickly gherkins with the intention to make pickles. Instead I just slice them them for snacks or make a quick salad with halved cherry tomatoes and slivered red onion.
Today, when I arrived home from the market, I unloaded my bursting shopping bags and gazed as the stacks of produce in my kitchen. As I put everything away, I mentally mapped out how I'd use it over the coming week. Braised greens with provolone and some leftover brisket for dinner sandwiches. Lightly blanched green beans tossed with goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette. Chilled canteloupe for breakfast.
How are the rest of you feeling about the summer produce? What have you loved this summer and what foods have already passed out of season? Most importantly, does anyone share this end of season anxiety with me?
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8-10-2008 @6:32PM rainey said... I hear ya! I just hate the winter months with no tomatoes.
I don't have much freezer space so I can't preserve as much as I wish but I do get a flat of tomatoes in Aug. and roast them. I make a base for roasted tomato soup with most of them. I freeze that in vacuum sealed bags to enjoy through the Fall and Winter.
The rest I pack in olive oil in jars and keep in the fridge. It's certainly not the same thing as a real fresh tomato but I can still spread a tomato half on a sandwich and get real flavor until I can get the real thing again.
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8-10-2008 @7:12PM RJ said... Well...around where I live, all there is is corn and squash and....well, corn and squash...so, there really won't be any difference in the winter... I am actually looking forward to the winter produce...how sad is that! Wish I lived in California or some place with a totally rockin' farmer's market!
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8-10-2008 @8:49PM Adam Fields said... Summer produce is great, to be sure, but there's so much to look forward to in Fall! Sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots. I tend to think of summer vegetables as "easy" - they don't need much help to taste delicious, while the Fall ones need a little technique, but once they get going, they really shine. There nothing like when the weather starts to turn cold and you can warm up with a big pan of roasted root vegetables or braised short ribs with carrots and parsnips.
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8-11-2008 @9:06AM Beth said... I feel the same way! I took advantage of the peaches this weekend and made a peach and mustard crusted pork tenderloin, followed by baked peaches for dessert. They were both fantastic! I have zuchinni from my parents' garden almost every night, sauteed with fresh thyme. I love summer veggies.
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8-11-2008 @10:40AM Aaron said... definitely... as a transplanted Californian living in Philly, I am already worrying about the produce situation. Although there is still apple season to look forward to.
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8-11-2008 @12:24PM ABT said... "Most importantly, does anyone share this end of season anxiety with me?"
I didn't until now! I say this partly in jest, partly in earnest.
Now I feel like I have to buy bigger quantities and preserve! Guess I'll have to learn how to effectively freeze various types of produce. This summer my meals have been mostly comprised of vegetables and I've barely used my stove or oven. When you're buying for one and the farmer's market only sells products in quantities so small you've got to use it.
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8-11-2008 @11:40PM Deeba said... I can feel the pangs of anxiety setting in too...& I shall miss stone-fruit the most!
Cheers Deeba
http://passionateaboutbaking.blogspot.com/
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