The weather is warm, the grass is growing, and Memorial Day is here! Oh, how I do love summer! Driving into work today, I heard my radio show hosts say they’re doing a weekend of top summer songs, and it got me thinking: Maybe I should do a list of my 10 favorite things about summer food? So, here goes!
1. Farmers markets. Saturday morning trips to the market are a special summertime treat. After all, when else can you talk to the person who grew your food and pick up a recipe or two?
2. Picnics. From a casual backyard meal to a fancy feast with family, food really does taste best outdoors.
3. Fresh berries. Sweet, just-picked strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are delicious on their own or baked in pies, tossed into salads and so much more! How can you go wrong?
4. Watermelon. It deserves a special spot. Scooped into fruit salads or sliced and served alongside grilled chicken, this juicy melon makes summer meals so tasty and so simple!
5. Summer salads. With garden-fresh veggies at their peak, green salads are especially gorgeous this time of year. But, when you stop to think of the potato salads, coleslaws and pasta tosses that top picnic tables, these heirloom recipes absolutely deserve mention, too.
6. Grilling. Sizzling steaks and burgers, hot dogs and brats…need I say more?
7. Ice cream cakes. We publish ice cream treats year-round, but I’d argue they really do taste better on a hot summer day.
8. Lemons and limes. Sure, citrus fruits taste fabulous in winter months, but there’s something about the scent of a freshly squeezed lime or glass of lemonade that’s just so summery.
9. Fresh basil. Whether you mince and toss it into an Italian pasta dish or use whole leaves in an arranged salad, basil has a refreshing summer flavor that can’t be beat.
10. Corn on the cob. Topped with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt, fresh picked sweet corn, grilled with the husks still attached, is a quintessential summertime treat.
So there you go, that’s my list. If I think longer, I could probably add 40 more ideas to it. What do you like best about summer? Here’s a little Memorial Day treat to munch on while you ponder the question…
Recipe: Star Spangled Shortcake
Enjoy, Happy Memorial Day and Happy Cooking!
Mary