Patience

This transitional season between spring and summer at the market can be frustrating. The markets are open, so shoppers come with their multiple market bags expecting to fill them with all the produce they miss from last summer. But we’re not there yet!

Patience is the name of the game right now and we promise you, just as the sun will rise tomorrow, the vegetables you crave will be here soon. And yes, your peonies will bloom (mine haven’t yet!).

What we need now is a string of sunny, warm days so if you have any pull with the weather gods...

The good news is that there are plenty of options to fill those market bags –and your grill– if you’re hosting a BBQ this holiday weekend. And, this transition time offers an opportunity to attune your cooking to the seasons which is what local farmers markets are all about.

Yes, you can put radishes in soups and on the grill. Yes, you can make spring garlic a main ingredient as in this pesto made with radish greens and pepita seeds. The perfect thing to pair with any Aya Hummus on a crudités platter riddled with Daikon, French and red radishes. Or, layer the pesto onto grilled swordfish from Pura Vida Fishery or a hanger steak from R&M Farm, or plump chicken thighs from Letterbox. Try this spring farmers market-pasta using La Trafila as your jumping off point, natch. There is plenty of lettuce available at the market so use lettuce for other things than just salad. Make lettuce wraps for example.

My mother always said “it's better to do just one thing but to do it well.” Baker Suzanne Lyon, of Heathcote Bakery must have heard the same advice because she makes chocolate chip cookies exclusively and they are definitely a cut above. First, they are almost as big as a CD, and second, they are paper thin with a crispy edge and a soft center.  She sells them in attractive “stacks” –  just the thing to bring to a large gathering. 

Memorial Day weekend marks the launch of outdoor entertaining so, by all means stop at The Spirits Lab tent to stock up on your staples. G&T season is upon us!  And you should be able to find plenty of fresh mint at the market to garnish that cocktail. Also, do make sure you have all the condiments you need from Channery Hill Farm, including their highly-addictive jalapeño-pumpkin ketchup to elevate your market burgers. And why not throw a bright slice of watermelon radish on that burger since tomatoes aren’t in season yet.

Think outside the box and in season! 

See you at the market!