This is my favorite time of the year. The fresh vegetables are everywhere. I just visited my third farmer's market this week: first upstate in Columbia County; then Bergen County, New Jersey; and now our own Katchkie Farm greenmarket at Port Authority.
I can't believe the selections that are being displayed - there are too many choices and not enough days of cooking/eating in the week.
Here are some of my favorites so far:
Carrots: I think they were the first of the season and they were delicious.
Braising greens: so many varieties. I was trying to figure out each green!
Radishes: both traditional and finger, now I have to decide which one I like better.
Shell peas: oh so delicious
Fresh garlic: I wasn't sure how to prepare it so I roasted it whole and tossed in some fresh tomato sauce (from the last of my freezer supply)
Baby turnips: they are so different than what I see in the stores
Red leaf lettuce: my mother always asks how I keep it fresh for so long!
Kirby cukes: I need a standing order on these. I think I could eat them for breakfast. I just cut them & sprinkle with kosher salt - nothing wrong with that.
Scallions: boy, these are so flavorful and so big compared to what you see at the grocery store.
Of course I cannot forget the fresh herbs - basil is still my fave. Can never have enough pesto - I started freezing it along with my tomatoes and by September there is no room in my freezer for anything new.
I now await the start of tomato heaven. Any color or variety - I just crave them and then stock up for the winter. What will my next adventure be? I think the start of the Rockefeller Center farm stand in August!!!
Enjoy the bounty.