"summer" news and stories

The state of Louisiana, which produces one-third of the nation's oysters, has mustered the first quasi-official response to new FDA guidelines banning the sale of unprocessed Gulf oysters from April through October.

The strict new rules, designed to combat the deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria that swarms in warm water, require Texas, Florida and Louisiana oyster processors to freeze, heat, radiate or pressurize their oysters. But oyster connoisseurs worry their favored bivalves won't be the only casualty of post-harvest processing; Insiders suspect the law will also kill the Gulf coast's oyster industry.

Gulf Coast oyster harvesters say a food safety plan introduced by the Food and Drug Administration this weekend could doom the domestic oyster industry by subjecting sellers to regulations they call needless and cost-prohibitive.

The FDA's Michael Taylor cited the deadly threat posed by the bacterium vibrio vulnificus in explaining the agency's decision to ban the sale of fresh, live, unprocessed oysters from Florida, Louisiana and Texas during the warm summer months. The law is set to take effect in 2011.

Oysters that have been quick-frozen, heated, pressurized or treated with gamma rays will be exempt from the ban, which mirrors a law adopted by California in 2003. According to Taylor, that law has winnowed the state's vibrio death rate to nearly zero, with just one fatality being investigated as a possible vibrio case. The nationwide vibrio death rate over the same period has approached 15 annually.

Zucchini, Potato and Scallion Pancakes. Photo: Rec(ession)ipes.

As we transition from summer to fall, it's the perfect time to pair prime vegetables from each season.

And these zucchini, potato and scallion pancakes from Rec(ession)ipes beautifully capture the colors of autumn, while sneaking in the last tastes of summer. Pan-fried and topped with a dollop of chive sour cream, a glimpse at these almost makes up for the fact that we'll be seeing a lot less of the sun for a while. Almost.

[Via Rec(ession)ipies]

Last taste of summer. Photo: Jennifer Iserloh

I've been craving a lobster roll from Mary's Fish Camp in New York as of late, but since I've already maxed out the bank account with a mini trip to Miami, Mary's will have to wait for October.

I'm hooked on their lobster roll, that's really the only reason I go there. If you are lucky enough to get a table, their "limited" supply lobster roll is at market price, usually around $33.

So here is my healthier (and cheaper) version that you can have at home -- yes, Mary's fans know it's not exactly the same. Yet it's still tasty and satisfies the craving, working out to about $12 a pop.

Labor Day weekend fun. Photo: churl, Flickr

Labor Day -- the most bittersweet of all national holidays. Sweet because the majority of folks have Monday off; bitter because it marks the end of the summer season.

Here at Slashfood, we want you to make the most of the long weekend for yourself and your tastebuds. AOL Food is lighting up the grill and savoring the last tastes of summer with tips on grilling steak and fish as well as a slew of tasty recipes including Steven Raichlen's Stuffed Hot Dogs and Grilled Peach Sundaes.

And as you cut open that watermelon, why not find other ways to enjoy the juicy summer staple?

So while Labor Day may mark the end of summer, it means stores are spending the weekend unfurling their Halloween decorations. We're sad to see summer go, but can't wait for the candy, turkey and eggnog!