Field peas are one of my favorite things about summer. I freeze them in little baggies to pull out at the height of the winter blahs to remind me of the warmer months. I always seem to remember them as warmer months, not miserable, stifling hot and humid. On Saturdays, when I am cooking and putting by my farmers market purchases, I put them on to cook with some piece of pork, … [Read more...] about Pickled Field Peas
Vegetables
Maque Choux (Cajun Stewed Corn and Tomatoes)
Maque Choux distills the essence of summer into every bite. Admittedly, its first attraction may be the fun name. Pronounced mock shoe, it is a corruption of a French word or an Indian saying, or just straight up Acadian, depending on whom you ask. It is a traditional Cajun dish which occasionally makes it onto the menus of New Orleans-style restaurants, but … [Read more...] about Maque Choux (Cajun Stewed Corn and Tomatoes)
Chilled Vidalia Onion Soup
From April through October, during farmers market season, I rarely visit the produce section of the grocery store. Why bother when there is so much beautiful, fresh, in season produce at the markets. I only seek out a few things that don’t grow here. Lemons and limes, cherries from Michigan and Washington (I call to see when shipments arrive to get them as fresh as … [Read more...] about Chilled Vidalia Onion Soup
Fresh Basil Aioli
Aioli is the creamy, garlicky mayonnaise of Provence, traditionally made in a mortar and pestle. But the food processor makes this a quick, easy delight. Add a hit of fresh basil, and it is a fresh summer tomato’s best friend. Good on a simple sandwich or just spread on a thick slice. It also makes an amazing dip for a beautifully colorful display of summer vegetables. I … [Read more...] about Fresh Basil Aioli
Wash Day Green Beans
Wash day beans are an old tradition, one that has taken on many forms in many places. The story goes that laundry day was once a week, usually a Monday, back when doing the wash meant heating up vats of water on an old wood stove to dump in the wash tub, then scrubbing the clothes by hand on that old washboard. The practical housewife was not likely to plan an elaborate meal … [Read more...] about Wash Day Green Beans
