Recipe: Via Sexy Crumbs blog, a great recipe for Cucumber and Onion Salad

Editor’s Note: Shannon Ritter works at the Penn State School of Theater in undergraduate admissions and recruitment, and when she’s not at work, she is a master cook and baker. Fortunately for the rest of us, she shares the creations that come out of her Boalsburg kitchen via her excellent food blog Sexy Crumbs. An example of what you will find there is this wonderful recipe for cucumber and onion salad, which is perfect for using up the last of the summer’s cucumbers, or for a real winner of a Labor Day picnic dish. The salad is based on an old family recipe. Shannon shares her version of the recipe and the story behind it below, reflecting on how food can connect us to our past:

Continue Reading: Recipe: Via Sexy Crumbs blog, a great recipe for Cucumber and Onion Salad

Tags: recipe | cucumbers | onion | summer |

Rainy summer leads to challenges for growers at Tait Farms

30 days of rain: when my sister, a rising freshman at Penn State, arrived for her orientation during the first weekend of July, this is what they told her. While since that weekend State College has had some relief from the wetness—notably, Arts Fest weekend saw sunny skies and high temperatures—since then, some inevitable showers and storms have passed through the area. The continual precipitation not only poses problems for those people worried about a potentially frizzy hair day (me), but also for another, unexpected group: farmers.

It seems strange that too much water could be an issue for food growers, but in fact it is a serious threat. Certain crops are susceptible to unusually wet weather, and depending on what a farmer grows, excess rain can destroy an entire yield. Kim Tait, from Tait Farm Foods in Centre Hall, tells me that when there is a lot of rain, tomatoes in particular are a cause for concern. 

Continue Reading: Rainy summer leads to challenges for growers at Tait Farms

Tags: TaitFarms | summer | farming |

Opening of outdoor farmers market season nears

While you can find indoor versions of the State College, Millheim, and Boalsburg Farmers Market still going strong, the mild-ish weather recently has many people pining for the warm season and one big part of the friendly-weather months are farmers markets. Believe it or not, we are mere weeks away from the openings of our selection of farmers markets.

For those of you who want to mark your calendar, here’s a handy list of the markets that have announced their openings:

Continue Reading: Opening of outdoor farmers market season nears

Tags: farmersmarket | opening | summer | spring |

The perfect summer side: kale and pasta salad

Pasta has to be one of my true passions. I love it in all the shapes and forms it takes, from the lowly elbow macaroni to the lasagna noodle. Maybe this is because when I was small child we lived in a neighborhood that was predominantly made up of people of Italian descent. All my neighbors, including the parents of the kids I played with, introduced me to pasta at an early age. I learned all the wonderful things that you could do with pasta from the mighty lasagna to simple, yet elegant, fettuccini carbonara.

One of my favorite and fun pastas has to be the farfalle or bow tie pasta. It is firm and holds up well to cooking and has many hidden creases to hold on to the sauce. I love this pasta for different pasta salads as it holds up to being in dressing for hours without losing any of its chew and texture. Below is a recipe for kale and pasta salad that I hope you will enjoy.

Continue Reading: The perfect summer side: kale and pasta salad

Tags: recipe | summer | pasta | salad |

Your Local Food Weekend for June 21-22

This weekend you can enjoy a summer celebration at Tait Farm, experience a garden via your five senses, meet PBS Kids’ very own Daniel Tiger, enjoy free wine and cheese tastings, and go back in time musically with The Dustbowl Revival.

Continue Reading: Your Local Food Weekend for June 21-22

Tags: LocalFoodWeekend | TaitFarm | summer | gardening |

Recipe: BBQ ribs, a summer classic

I love BBQ. I can’t deny it. People will tell you Kansas is best, others will tell you Memphis is best, others will say Carolina is best. You know what? They are all right. Each type of BBQ has its own particular something special to offer. So don’t be afraid to try a type you haven’t before. You may be surprised. I’ve cooked over wood fire, used smokers, gas grills, charcoal grills, you name it. Now I am not going to sit here and tell you one is better than the other. We each have what we have and use what we are used to. The only thing I have to say is don’t be afraid to try something different if you have the chance.

Food should be an adventure. Trying new foods and types of cooking is like a culinary journey. Taking you to faraway lands and experiencing new cultures through their foods and cooking styles. Food is one of the few things I can think of that crosses racial and ethnic boundaries. So go, try, experiment, and enjoy.

Continue Reading: Recipe: BBQ ribs, a summer classic

Tags: recipe | summer | ribs |

Interview with Kim Tait on Summer Solstice Celebration, local food economy

This Saturday, June 22, Tait Farm Foods will hold a Summer Solstice Celebration out at the farm to benefit the Centre County Farmland Trust. On a beautiful day last Saturday I went out to Tait Farm to talk to Kim about this event, and why farming and supporting our local farms is a vital to our community. To listen, click on the “play button” below.

Continue Reading: Interview with Kim Tait on Summer Solstice Celebration, local food economy

Tags: TaitFarm | SummerSolstice | event | localeconomy | audio |

Elk Creek brewer offers summer beer/food pairings

Editor’s Note: This is part 1 of a two-part look at summer food and beer pairings with Centre County brewers - today, Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks, and next Friday, Otto’s Pub and Brewery. Traditionally, pairings of food and drink has usually been about wine. But over the last decade or so, as craft beers and ales have become more and more prevalent, beer and food pairings have come to the forefront. Everybody knows how well a nice cold glass of beer goes with wings or burgers, but what about more adventurous pairings? I recently talked to Tim Yarrington, the brewer responsible for the excellent libations that Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks puts out on a regular basis, about some beer food pairings that will make you want to head to Millheim and grab a growler or two.

Continue Reading: Elk Creek brewer offers summer beer/food pairings

Tags: beer | ElkCreekCafe+BrewWorks | beerpairings | summer |

Baba Ghanoush with Sea Salt

Just three more days left to enter our eggplant recipe contest! Share your favorite recipe now for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Harrison’s Wine Grill in State College.

Looking for inspiration? Try this recipe for Baba Ghanoush from Jenna Weber for PBS Food. It makes use of the final eggplant of the season and is delicious as a sandwich spread or an appetizer with crackers and olives. 

Continue Reading: Baba Ghanoush with Sea Salt

Tags: recipe | summer | eggplant |

Corn Fritters with Sweet Tangy Chili Soy Sauce

I rarely find the time to sit down and watch TV, but when I do, you better believe it is almost always going to be food-related.

I recently caught a re-run episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate on Food Network. This particular episode was about crunchy food and featured the Indonesian Corn Fritters served with a sweet tangy chili soy sauce from E&O Trading Co. (now known as E&O Asian Kitchen) in San Francisco. They looked and sounded pretty heavenly. Since I don’t have any plans to visit San Francisco in the near future, my next step was to re-create the dish in my own kitchen.

Continue Reading: Corn Fritters with Sweet Tangy Chili Soy Sauce

Tags: recipe | summer | corn |

Too Much Zucchini? Try Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Tons of zucchini are a garden cliche. They are so easy to grow that’s it’s almost impossible to not have more zucchini than you need. By this time of the year, all your friends politely turn down your offer of free zucchini because everyone in their family, at work, and in their circle of friends has given them about 1,000 zucchinis.

Continue Reading: Too Much Zucchini? Try Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Tags: recipe | summer | zucchini |

Ides of August

The Ides of August are upon us, which as everyone knows has no particular historical significance other than the looming advance of summer into fall.

Continue Reading: Ides of August

Tags: summer | farm |

Eggplant Caponata

Caponata is a classic dish from Italy—the eggplant soaks up the flavors of the salty and sweet ingredients and is a pleasing, flavor-filled way to eat lots of this healthful vegetable. There are additional health benefits in this recipe from the fresh, in-season garlic, the rice wine vinegar, and the cocoa powder. August is eggplant season with plenty available at the farmers markets, so stock up now! 

Continue Reading: Eggplant Caponata

Tags: recipe | summer | eggplant |

Field Notes: Late July and Recipe for Fresh Basil Pesto

Cooler temperatures and rain offered some much needed relief over the weekend. Fortunately, it was gentle and steady enough to soak in and provide moisture to farmers around the county. The plants in the field should grow like crazy given the forecast for sun and warmer temperatures this week.

As we have been saying all season, the crops are coming on early and fast this year. This week we will have an abundance of basil, carrots and cucumbers. It is a great time to make some pesto, as well as freeze some basil for the winter months.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Late July and Recipe for Fresh Basil Pesto

Tags: recipe | summer | basil |

Blueberry Buckle

Blueberries are plentiful now at local farmers markets, as well as at our partners’ retail locations, Way Fruit Farm and Harner Farm. Here is a delicious recipe for Blueberry Buckle from Clare Traynor of Sweet Indulgence Desserts.

Continue Reading: Blueberry Buckle

Tags: recipe | summer | blueberries |

Blueberry Ice Cream

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month and July’‘s sweet berries with this easy blueberry ice cream!

Continue Reading: Blueberry Ice Cream

Tags: recipe | summer | blueberries |

Cocktail Recipes from Sc’Eric Horner of Fuji & Jade Garden

Sc’Eric Horner is a local bartender and “foodie.” He moved to State College in 1991 to attend classes at Penn State. Since graduating from the College of Communications in 1994, he has worked at many area establishments including Q’s Café / Café SerendipiTea at Encore Books, Gopper’s Pizza, Zola New World Bistro, and Webster’s Bookstore Café. He is currently the beverage manager at Fuji & Jade Garden restaurant on Westerly Parkway in State College. Sc’Eric would someday like to own his own bar and late-night coffee and tea shop.

Last week at the Learning Kitchen event, Sc’Eric shared recipes for: Sichuan Carrot Smoothie; Beetnik’s Tonic; Bee Kind Cranberry Sangria; Frozen Punch Mould. Continue reading to see the recipes!

Continue Reading: Cocktail Recipes from Sc’Eric Horner of Fuji & Jade Garden

Tags: event | summer | cocktails |

Recipes from Nate Bruny of Zola New World Bistro

Last week at the Learning Kitchen event, Nate Bruny, executive sous chef at Zola New World Bistro, demonstrated how to make dishes from market fresh vegetables.

Continue reading for the following recipes: Classic French Salad; Grilled Moroccan Beets with Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette; Salmon Niçoise with Red Pepper Mustard Vinaigrette.

Continue Reading: Recipes from Nate Bruny of Zola New World Bistro

Tags: event | recipe | summer | carrots | beets | potatoes | salmon |

Field Notes: Early July

One of my fondest childhood food memories was frequenting local farm stands in the summer to get fresh fruits and vegetables. I remember our dinners often consisting of sweet corn, green beans, sliced tomatoes, and peaches for dessert. I was fascinated that the fields growing the food were right there, sandwiched between the rapidly expanding housing developments of Southern California. But it was that experience that developed my true appreciation for the taste of fresh food and I have never looked back.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Early July

Tags: farm | summer |

Celebrate July 4th with Summertime Favorites

Need help with your July 4th menu? Continue reading for recipe ideas.

Continue Reading: Celebrate July 4th with Summertime Favorites

Tags: recipe | summer | holiday |

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

A chocolate cake that’s healthy, too? You got it.

Continue Reading: Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Tags: recipe | summer | zucchini | chocolate | cake |

Summer Field Notes + Recipe for Cucumber Salad with Mint and Feta

As we roll into summer, things on the farm seem to be going pretty well. The sugar snap peas are coming on, and we will start seeing them in the share this week – they are such a treat! The farmers got the strawberry plugs planted late last week, and we will look forward to having delicious berries in the share next year. We thought we might be able to get one more year out of the old patch, but it gave up the ghost earlier in the spring.

Continue Reading: Summer Field Notes + Recipe for Cucumber Salad with Mint and Feta

Tags: fieldnotes | recipe | summer | cucumbers | onions | radishes | mint |

Corn and Zucchini Bisque

Making soup is one of my greatest pleasures. After you know the basic models and processes, you can do just about anything and use up just about anything. Plus, it is obviously about the best comfort food you can find.

Continue Reading: Corn and Zucchini Bisque

Tags: recipe | summer | zucchini | corn |

Save the Date: Summer Solstice Celebration is June 16th

Mark your calendar for the 2012 Summer Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 16th from 1-4pm at Tait Farm in Centre Hall. Locavores, landscape art enthusiasts, and interested community members are invited to attend the second annual event to benefit the Centre County Farmland Trust (CCFT).

Continue Reading: Save the Date: Summer Solstice Celebration is June 16th

Tags: event | summersolstice |

Asian-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant

Eggplant is delicious hot or cold and can be enjoyed marinated, stuffed, roasted, grilled, fried, baked in a casserole or stewed. How do you like to prepare it? Share your favorite recipe this month for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Mount Nittany Winery.

Continue reading for a recipe from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Continue Reading: Asian-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant

Tags: recipe | summer | fall | eggplant | squash | zucchini | tomatoes |

Winner of the Tomato Recipe Contest

Wow! We had a lot of submissions for this month’s tomato recipe contest. Thanks to everyone who participated! And congratulations to winner Mary Gage of State College for her Green Tomato Chutney. She is the recipient of a $25 gift certificate to Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim.

Continue reading to see all of the submitted recipes—from tomato cakes to tomato tarts to tomato bread pudding. Enjoy!

Continue Reading: Winner of the Tomato Recipe Contest

Tags: recipe | summer | tomatoes | recipecontest |

Cucumber-Tomato Salsa

Today is the final day to share your favorite tomato recipe! Submit it now for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim. A winner will be randomly selected and announced by noon tomorrow. Good luck!

Continue reading for a seasonal salsa recipe from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Continue Reading: Cucumber-Tomato Salsa

Tags: recipe | summer | tomatoes | cucumbers |

Garlicky Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

Tomatoes of all shapes and colors are still in abundance at the local markets. Pick up a box and let us know how you use them! Share your recipe by August 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim.

Continue reading for one of Kristin’s favorite simple late summer recipes.

Continue Reading: Garlicky Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

Tags: recipe | summer | tomatoes | corn | bread | garlic |

Field Notes and a Recipe for Pan-Fried Green Tomatoes

The rain has brought with it cooler temperatures, and I’ve heard several people expressing their excitement for the upcoming fall. I, however, really enjoy the heat and the beauty of the middle of summer.

Continue Reading: Field Notes and a Recipe for Pan-Fried Green Tomatoes

Tags: recipe | summer | tomatoes |

Grilled Mexican Corn

Please welcome Kristin Camplese who will stop by occasionally to share recipes from her popular food blog, Cuizoo.com!

My family and I recently pledged to eat local sweet corn for the last 30 days of summer vacation. It is not a hard task given how delicious it is. And while most nights we could eat it simply slathered with butter and salt, this recipe is one of our favorites. It is really a meal in itself as it combines rich seasonings, garlicky mayonnaise, and lots of cheese. Finish with a sprinkling of cilantro and a
squeeze of lime juice, and you will be licking your fingers and buying another dozen ears for tomorrow.

Continue Reading: Grilled Mexican Corn

Tags: recipe | summer | corn |

Field Notes: Summer Garlic and a Recipe for Pepper Packets

It’s the middle of summer, and that means it’s time for garlic! From spring garlic to garlic scapes, and fresh garlic to stored bulbs… it’s one of our favorite year-round crops. And now is the time to hurry up and get it out of the ground and hang it to cure.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Summer Garlic and a Recipe for Pepper Packets

Tags: recipe | summer | garlic | peppers | potatoes | fieldnotes |

Grilled Corn Salsa

Stacks of sweet corn can still be found at many farmers markets. Are you picking some up for the weekend? If so, try this Grilled Corn Salsa from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Or make your own recipe and share it with the Local Food Journey for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Pantry in State College. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, July 31st, and the winner will be randomly selected and announced by noon on Monday, August 1st. Good luck!

Continue Reading: Grilled Corn Salsa

Tags: recipe | summer | corn |

Corn Salad with Sweet Chili Lime Vinaigrette

It’s no wonder that sweet corn is right up there with tomatoes as America’s favorite vegetable. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh picked corn. Whether you eat it on the cob, or turn it into delicious salad, the time to enjoy it is now!

Try this nice, light, and refreshing salad courtesy of Cindy Tait Law. And don’t forget to share your favorite sweet corn recipe before July 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Pantry in State College!

Continue Reading: Corn Salad with Sweet Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Tags: recipe | summer | corn |

Chef Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola

Eleven years ago, former Farmer Mark from Tait Farm had a bumper crop of freshly grown green beans and showed up at our back door with several large boxes of them. Chef Harrison created this recipe and officially and deliciously launched our local foods menu.

Over the years, Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola has become a seasonal summer favorite. It is easy to make at home and is a great recipe for those beautiful farmers market green beans this summer. Enjoy!

Continue Reading: Chef Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola

Tags: summer | recipe | greenbeans |

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

With temperatures predicted to reach record highs today and tomorrow, what better way to manage the heat than with a bowl of homemade ice cream? It is National Ice Cream Month, after all.

Continue Reading: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Tags: recipe | summer | icecream |

Corn on the Cob with Basil-Parmesan Butter

Grilled corn on the cob is a popular item on the menus of backyard BBQs and picnics across the country. Try this version with an herb butter that makes the corn seasoned and succulent. It’s a perfect summer treat.

Continue Reading: Corn on the Cob with Basil-Parmesan Butter

Tags: recipe | summer | corn |

Field Notes: Beet Salad

Field production is running a bit behind schedule this year, but this seems to be the case for most farms in the area. The “schedule,” of course, is always just an ideal planting time, when really we fall to the mercy of the weather in the end. But better late than never is the case this summer, as we are just now harvesting our spring turnips and beets.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Beet Salad

Tags: summer | recipe | beets | fieldnotes |

Celebrate Local Food and Farms

The first annual Summer Solstice Celebration at Tait Farm was a success! Watch a video recap of the local event.

Continue Reading: Celebrate Local Food and Farms

Tags: events | summersolstice | video |

Farmland Preservation Artists

The farmland in Centre County provides wildlife habitat, helps to replenish the groundwater supply, generates tax revenue, and feeds local residents. But as the county’s population grows, more and more farmland is being lost to development. WPSU’s Kristine Allen gives an audio report on efforts to preserve farmland—notably, one that involves a group of local artists who gathered at Tait Farm last Saturday for the first annual Summer Solstice Celebration.

Continue Reading: Farmland Preservation Artists

Tags: events | summersolstice |

A Convivium of Local Support

Solstice…the word conjures up visions of kicking back, chilling out and enjoying a long, lazy summer day. But on Saturday, June 18th at Tait Farm in Centre Hall, the crowd at the first annual Summer Solstice Celebration to benefit the Centre County Farmland Trust was actively engaged in the pursuit of tasting locally produced fresh delights while supporting a local farm. In a word, it was happy. People were relaxed, cooperative and neighborly – grateful for the weather, the scenery, the fresh farm air, the flavors, the sense of community, and the shared mission of local foods and farms.

Continue Reading: A Convivium of Local Support

Tags: events | summersolstice |

Simple Strawberry Cake

Strawberry season is my favorite season; though it is a short one. Throughout the month of June, I enjoy strawberries on my morning cereal and swirled into yogurt, tossed with spinach salad, on top of shortcakes and waffles, and layered with vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting. We also currently have four quarts in the freezer just begging to be thawed and consumed.

Continue Reading: Simple Strawberry Cake

Tags: recipe | spring | summer | strawberries |

Summer Solstice Celebration a Success!

Thank you to all who attended Saturday’s Summer Solstice Celebration at Tait Farm. The event was a huge success, and we were thrilled to meet so many local foodies!

We were proud to join partners from Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Otto’s Pub & Brewery, and Mount Nittany Winery in support of the Centre County Farmland Trust.

Hopefully you left the event with a greater understanding of the importance of preserving Centre County farmland for food, natural resources, and future generations. Get more information and find out how to become a member on their website.

Continue Reading: Summer Solstice Celebration a Success!

Tags: events | summersolstice |

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Have you submitted your favorite strawberries recipe for the June contest? Share it today for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Harrison’s Wine Grill in State College.

Enjoy this favorite from Tait Farm Foods.

Continue Reading: Strawberry Vinaigrette

Tags: recipe | spring | summer | strawberries |

Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18th

The cool, rainy days of early May have finally given way to warmer temperatures here in Happy Valley. And with spring sunshine has come the opening of local farmers markets and stands stocked with vibrant green stalks of asparagus, spicy arugula, and crisp, colorful rhubarb.

There are many ways to celebrate the season—with backyard burgers and local brews or a picnic in the park. But, perhaps the best way to pay tribute to the pleasures of late spring is by fostering the farms that feed us.

Continue Reading: Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18th

Tags: events | summersolstice |

Okra Hash with Spicy Sausage

Some folks are intimidated by okra, most likely due to its foreign origin and slimy texture. Before creating this recipe, I had only eaten fried okra, and, admittedly, it was not on the top of my list to eat again. But I wanted to give the vegetable a second chance.

Continue Reading: Okra Hash with Spicy Sausage

Tags: recipe | summer | fall | okra | meat |

The Garden in Centre Hall

Last Sunday afternoon, while driving along unfamiliar roads in Centre Hall, my parents and I stumbled upon “The Garden.” Though small, this shed off of Old Fort Road was packed with the summer’s final fresh produce. There were shelves of jams and jellies, fresh packed dill pickles and beets, salsas and jarred tomatoes. The options were boundless; which is often rare for a roadside farm stand of this size.

Continue Reading: The Garden in Centre Hall

Tags: summer | farm |

Roasted Cabbage

We love to roast vegetables—it’s our favorite way to enjoy them. The high, dry heat of the oven caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables and highlights their natural sweetness. You can roast tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beets, and most root vegetables.

Continue Reading: Roasted Cabbage

Tags: recipe | summer | cabbage |

Cucumber Melon Salad

Labor Day may represent the unofficial end of summer, but farmers markets continue to carry sweet, juicy produce like melons and cucumbers through the end of the month.

Continue Reading: Cucumber Melon Salad

Tags: recipe | summer | cucumbers | melons |

Chicken in Mushroom White Wine Sauce

After chatting with Sandy Alexander from Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, I decided I had to cook with wine. It was a new and intriguing challenge that I took head on. My three friendly “guinea pigs” tasted this creation and agreed it was a hit. If you like your sauce to be a tad creamier, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour while it’s cooking. But I prefer the fluid texture against the rice and chicken.

Continue Reading: Chicken in Mushroom White Wine Sauce

Tags: recipe | summer | chicken | mushrooms | wine |

Apples in Sweet Red Wine Sauce

I have never enjoyed the overwhelming sweetness associated with desserts. When I was a little girl, my mother made this apple dish so I wouldn’t feel left out during dessert time. To this day, I have been working to recreate her recipe, and I think this is as close as I will ever get. It is a little tangy and a little sweet, just perfect for those of us who like a little bite to our desserts.

Continue Reading: Apples in Sweet Red Wine Sauce

Tags: recipe | summer | fall | apples | wine |

Pesto Pizza

It seems like just yesterday that we planted our first garden of peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. But now, in late August, the tomato vines are browning and the basil leaves are wilting.

Before our backyard trees turn shades of auburn and gold, we celebrated the end of summer with pesto pizza.

Continue Reading: Pesto Pizza

Tags: summer | recipe | basil |

Sautéed Pepper and Onion Pasta

Here is a quick and easy pasta salad, perfect for the summer to fall transition time. It can be served either hot or cold and pairs well with heavy wheat beer.

Continue Reading: Sautéed Pepper and Onion Pasta

Tags: recipe | summer | garlic | peppers | tomatoes | onions |

Watermelon Granita

Before summer turns to fall, take advantage of late August melons with this easy granita recipe.

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Tags: summer | recipe | watermelons |

Orzo with Roasted Eggplant and Cinnamon-Cumin Dressing

Since seeing Food, Inc. and reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma, I’ve become more conscious of the food I eat — especially the meat I eat.

Continue Reading: Orzo with Roasted Eggplant and Cinnamon-Cumin Dressing

Tags: summer | recipe | eggplant |

Corn Tomato Cilantro Salad

This quick and simple side dish makes use of two popular August ingredients: corn and tomatoes. Add spicy jalapeños and fragrant cilantro and serve alongside your favorite Mexican main course. 

Continue Reading: Corn Tomato Cilantro Salad

Tags: recipe | summer | corn | tomatoes | peppers | cilantro |

How to Enjoy the Remaining Days of a Happy Valley Summer

August is here, which means cranberries and pumpkins will soon replace blueberries and tomatoes. But there’s still time to enjoy the final quiet days of Happy Valley’s summer before football season begins. Michele Marchetti, co-founder of Homegrown Happy Valley, shares her favorite picks.

Continue Reading: How to Enjoy the Remaining Days of a Happy Valley Summer

Tags: summer | farm | market |

New Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

This quick recipe is a tangy, savory way to spice up roasted potatoes.

Continue Reading: New Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Tags: recipe | summer | potatoes | garlic |

Fridays Mean Vegetables

Every Friday evening my housemate Kristen brings home a wooden crate overflowing with fresh-picked vegetables. This cornucopia is not from the grocery store. 

Continue Reading: Fridays Mean Vegetables

Tags: summer | farm | CSA |

Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Some people love summer for its long, leisurely days. I love it for its abundance of local fruit.

Continue Reading: Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Tags: recipe | summer | blueberries | peaches |

Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

This light, creamy dressing is great not only on cabbage and coleslaw, but also on salads and fresh vegetables, like cucumbers.

Continue Reading: Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

Tags: recipe | summer | lime | garlic | onions | cilantro |

Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Looking for a simple compliment to a summer cookout? Try chopped fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds tossed with a tangy buttermilk dressing.

Continue Reading: Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Tags: recipe | summer | fall | broccoli | cranberries |

Simple Saturday Morning Frittata

Don’t you love Saturday mornings? When mugs of coffee and magazines replace alarm clocks and commutes.

Continue Reading: Simple Saturday Morning Frittata

Tags: recipe | summer | breakfast | eggs | parsley | potatoes | peppers |

Garlic Scape Pesto

We received about half a pound of garlic scapes two weeks ago from our CSA. Even though I’ve seen and heard of scapes, I wasn’t sure what part of the garlic plant the scape came from.

Continue Reading: Garlic Scape Pesto

Tags: recipe | summer | garlicscape |

Slow Cooked Green Beans

Green beans are sold canned and frozen year round. But you can find cartons of fresh whole beans at your local market now through September.

Continue Reading: Slow Cooked Green Beans

Tags: recipe | summer | greenbeans | onions | tomatoes |

Pea and Mint Risotto

Do you have mint growing in your garden? Pair it with summer peas for a hearty risotto.

Continue Reading: Pea and Mint Risotto

Tags: recipe | summer | peas | mint |

Oriental Pork Stir Fry

Stir fry recipes are fun and easy to prepare and make good use of summer produce.

Continue Reading: Oriental Pork Stir Fry

Tags: recipe | summer | pork | peppers | garlic |

Caramelized Tofu over Sautéed Greens

This nutritious one pan meal is provided by Jessica from Gilbertsville, Pa.

Do you have a favorite seasonal recipe to share? Complete our form, and we’ll feature your recipe on the Local Food Journey.

Continue Reading: Caramelized Tofu over Sautéed Greens

Tags: recipe | summer | tofu | garlic | spinach | kale |

Strawberry Shortcake Cake

A traditional chocolate cake with fluffy white frosting is a fine dessert choice, but during the month of June, why not choose a seasonal strawberry shortcake cake?

Continue Reading: Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Tags: recipe | summer | strawberries | dessert |

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This simple summer salad combines tender spinach leaves and fresh sliced strawberries with a sweet dressing and crunchy sunflower seeds.

Continue Reading: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Tags: recipe | summer | strawberries | spinach |