Ahh, summer. When the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the farmer's markets are, quite literally, overflowing with locally grown riches. It's a foodie's paradise – a veritable cornucopia of fruits and veggies, each at its peak of ripeness and flavor. The question is, how do you navigate this produce paradise without getting lost among the lettuce or waylaid by the watermelons? Allow the seasoned professionals at Brooks & Landry Fine Catering to be your tour guides.
Roll Out the Red (and Blue and Purple and Green) Carpet
Summertime is when nature pulls out all the stops, offering a dazzling array of fruits and vegetables that are quite frankly, showing off. Here are a few of the "showgirls" of the season:
Tomatoes: And no, not those pallid, rock-hard imposters you find at the supermarket. We're talking about sun-ripened, juice-dripping-down-your-chin tomatoes. Their uses are as varied as their colors – think robust salads, aromatic pasta sauces, or simply sliced and sprinkled with sea salt.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oh my! These sweet-tart gems are perfect for a fruity dessert or as a topping for your morning yogurt. Or eaten straight out of the pint just like our son enjoys them.
Sweet Corn: Here in Michigan, we take our corn seriously. And we're not a-maize-d to say it. Slathered with butter and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, it's a taste of summer that's hard to beat. For a modern south of the border twist: Grill your corn, slather on some mayo, season with some tajin and crumbled cotija cheese, and squeeze a bit of lime over the it all for the best elote you have ever had.
Cucumbers and Zucchini: Or as we like to call them, the "zesty zucchs" and "cool cukes." They're the backbone of many a refreshing salad, and their subtle flavors are a perfect foil for robust dressings and spicy marinades.
Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews - it's hard to pick a favorite child, isn't it? Juicy and refreshing, they're the epitome of a cool summer snack. Spice it up a bit with a drizzle of hot-honey or cool it down in a blended cocktail!
Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines - so many decisions, so little tote bag space. Whether you're a peach fanatic or a cherry aficionado, these juicy fruits are worth the sticky fingers. No matter what you choose, a homemade cobbler had better be in your future!
Greens: Summer isn't all about the sweet stuff. It's also a great time to get your fill of leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale. Remember, folks, green is the color of health! Our favorite way to take in our maximum daily intake of leafy greens is to sauté them in butter with garlic and a touch of sea salt and black pepper, add a touch of cream at the end, and serve. And don't forget, summer means salads!
As you navigate the bustling lanes of the summer farmers market, remember to bring a sense of adventure (and maybe a wet wipe or two for those pesky peach juices). And if you're planning an event and want to showcase the best of summer's bounty, don't hesitate to reach out to Brooks & Landry Fine Catering. We promise we won't bring the corny jokes to the table – unless, of course, you're into that kind of thing. In that case, we're all ears!
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