Field peas are one of my favorite summer time treats. Though I spend enough time in summer portioning little bags and stashing them in the freezer that I can enjoy them all year round now. And I’ll be honest; I don’t veer too much off my standard method of cooking them. Peas, water, a piece of pork of some variety, maybe onion or garlic and hot sauce. When the farmers … [Read more...] about Purple Hull Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette
Sides
Zucchini Sort of Soufflé
I have a shopping problem. Fortunately, it’s not for shoes or designer handbags, it’s at the farmers market. I am so enamored of all the beautiful fresh produce and artisan made foods that my eyes are often bigger than my shopping bag. I try to go with a plan and a list, but I just get so enticed by all the wonderful things. The fire-engine red tomatoes in every size and … [Read more...] about Zucchini Sort of Soufflé
Mexican Corn Salad
My favorite summer treat is definitely fresh corn, straight off the cob. I eat more corn in summer than I ought to admit. Usually just straight up, with a little butter and salt. When corn starts appearing in the farmers market, I buy bushels of it to put up for the winter. I ration out those little frozen bags of golden jewels like they really are precious gems. And when I … [Read more...] about Mexican Corn Salad
Crispy Picnic Slaw
Years ago, during my event planning days, I helped a client plan a lovely riverside party, with a good old-fashioned fish fry. This client was very particular. About everything. But particularly about slaw. He insisted on vinegar-based slaw, not mayonnaise dressed. The caterer took copious notes on his slaw pronouncements and produced what I (and everyone else who ate it) … [Read more...] about Crispy Picnic Slaw
Charro Beans
I’ll be honest, I don’t actually know the history of Cinco de Mayo, I just know it’s a perfect excuse for a slap-up Mexican meal, and that is always a good thing. And there is something so friendly and communal about a Mexican feast. It’s a great way to gather friends and family, its interactive eating that everyone can enjoy. So for your own celebration, serve up some Smoky … [Read more...] about Charro Beans
