Farmers markets are now brimming with boxes of strawberries, and most people's natural inclination -- aside from eating them all before getting home -- is to turn the berries into pies, cobblers, crumbles and strawberry shortcakes -- in other words, dessert.
While their tart sweetness makes them shining stars of the seasonal baked goods line-up, strawberries also make great supporting players in savory dishes. They pair well with cheeses, nuts, salad greens and even some meats, and can be as versatile as they are irresistible.
One way to introduce them before the dessert course is in a salad, not only as whole fruit but also as a tangy vinegar. Though you can buy bottled strawberry vinegar (as well as other fruit vinegars), it's plenty easy to make your own. It adds bright layers to the following recipe for spinach salad with toasted pecans, strawberries and ricotta -- and can be added to as many other salads, entrees and yes, even desserts, throughout the rest of the summer and beyond.
The one thing I always understood growing up at the dinner table was "leave enough carrots for your father." Carrots are probably my father's favorite vegetable and after coming across this recipe, I couldn't help myself but to think of him after tasting every tender bite.
I was lucky, growing up I experienced meals that were properly cooked and well seasoned. While other kids were afraid of eating their vegetables, I happily indulged. This recipe comes close to something I grew up on: brown sugared carrots. A little more involved, but oh-so worth it, these carrots bath in a mixture of buttery, pomegranate molasses. Bold spices like freshly grated ginger and cayenne pepper set this recipe apart from others.
Tip: While orange carrots will suffice, try visiting your local farmers' market for colorful varieties, which will pop on a white serving platter.
Only recently have I discovered an appreciation for cabbage. I suppose I grew up with the mind-set of "it's green and smells, therefore it must not taste good." I felt the same way back then about Brussels Sprouts, beet greens and asparagus.
Cabbage stuffed with beef, zucchini and herbs is a hearty dish that showcases the flavor of each ingredient, without loosing the integrity and texture of the cabbage. Cabbage, packed with vitamins K and C is also fairly inexpensive in a time where grocery bills have increased greatly.
When choosing cabbage, the heavier the better, but stay away from heads of cabbage with extra, giant leaves on the outside. Make sure the head doesn't give, as well, as that can be a sign of interior rot.
I know this may sound odd upon first impression, but give this recipe a chance. Perfect if you're looking to switch up hors d'oeuvres at a upcoming party or even just a snack- these open faced sandwiches combine the fresh, crisp taste of the radish with the crunch of sea salt. Both butter and salt will mellow out the bite a radish tends to have.
Tip: A mandoline will become your best friend if you have one for this recipe.
Turnips come out of hiding during this time of year and especially for Thanksgiving on our dinner tables. While the smell and flavor of turnips are pungent and turn many off from trying them, the taste becomes dramatically mild after the cooking process. Maple-Sage Glazed Turnips satisfy a sweet craving and with only 68 calories per serving, you can rest easy knowing you're serving your family a healthy side.
Selecting: A good turnip will be smooth and heavy for its size. If it comes with greens attached, remove the greens before storing in the refrigerator. The greens are edible and should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days; they resemble mustard greens in flavor.
Growing up, the only form in which I saw cauliflower (or maybe just the only way my mom could get me to eat it!) was steamed and covered in nice thick, white sauce. Now, while I can admit that I still think it's delicious, I'd much rather prefer eating roasted cauliflower.
According to Gourmet Magazine, "Blasting cauliflower florets in a hot over concentrates their natural sweetness, turning them into something akin to vegetable candy."
In Italy, radicchio is quite popular. Usually, it is eaten grilled in olive oil, or mixed into dishes such as risotto. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the United States, but is more often eaten raw in salads. This recipe calls for radicchio di Treviso. Firm, round bitter heads of radicchio (radicchio di Verona) can be found in many supermarkets, but you will probably have to shop at a farmers' market to find the elongated radicchio di Treviso, a variety that is prized for its flavor.
Selection: Heading radicchio should have some give. If it is too firm and heavy, with leaves no longer attached to the core, it is probably over mature and won't last long. With all types, select radicchio as you would any salad green, avoiding specimens that show signs of decay such as brown-edged leaves or browning cores.
Storage: Store in a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper. Radicchio keeps a few days longer than most salad greens.
(If you can't find the elongated radicchio, feel free to use whatever you can find in your grocery stores.)
From the cookbook: Fresh From the Farmers' Market by Janet Fletcher
If your CSA share has been anything like mine this season, you've gotten bundle upon bundle of beets. I've exhausted all my standard recipes and barely made a dent. What to do with all of those beets?
How about a simple and hearty salad! Roasting beets allows all the natural sugars to concentrate, creating a luscious, sweet and savory dish. Feel like giving it an extra pop? Add goat cheese and give your mouth the chance to take pleasure in all the textures of this salad.
Nutrition Fact: The delicate beet greens, which are an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, and magnesium, make this dish even more healthful.
With a gentle anise flavor, as well as a great crunch, fresh fennel is delicious in this salad and even on its own when sliced thinly. If you're looking to update your salad greens, this fennel and parsley salad is perfect. Due to its simplicity, you can change up the ingredients very easily and create new versions of it throughout the fall months.
Read on for the recipe from the cookbook: Instant Entertaining by Donna Hay.
I was inspired to make this recipe yesterday when I was going through Whole Foods and saw the gorgeous broccoli crowns that are in season right now. While the color of this sauce speaks for itself, broccoli enhances this dish, giving it a fresh, earthy appeal. Great as a side dish or even a main- Penne with broccoli sauce is a light, healthy dish that's bursting with flavor.
Read on for the recipe from the cookbook: Fresh From the Farmers' Market by Janet Fletcher.
Welcome to my first installment of In Season. Every Tuesday, I'll be showcasing a recipe that uses produce at the peak of flavor. I'm a true believer in utilizing the freshest ingredients to enhance a meal. These recipes may be main courses or just side dishes. Either way, I hope to bring you recipes that showcase each ingredient in a simple, yet unique way.
Today I bring you Deviled Tomatoes: a fresher and more modern take on the classic, Deviled Eggs. More colorful and lighter, these mouthwatering bites are a perfect way to start a brunch or cocktail party. Feel free to substitute the plum tomatoes for small heirloom tomatoes for an eye-catching, vivid display.
Read on for the recipe from the cookbook: Tomatoes & Mozzarella by Hallie Harron and Shelley Sikora.
Ah, to be Chef Gordon Ramsay and to have free time to sit around and spout ridiculous nonsense.
His newest attention-getting quote? His Highness thinks that restaurants should be fined for using out-of-season vegetables. Yep, fined.
The money quote: "There should be stringent laws, licensing laws, to make sure produce is only used in season and season only." Now, I'm all for using in-season fruits and veggies - we all know they're more flavorful, more fresh, and usually more decently priced - but stringent laws?
If I want to order summer squash in the dead of winter, or a strawberry tart in October, or pumpkin soup in July, that's my prerogative, dude. Don't take that away from me.
If your CSA share has been anything like mine this season, you've gotten bundle upon bundle of beets. I've exhausted all my standard recipes and barely made a dent. What to do with all of those beets? 
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