Summertime in these parts is flush with fresh flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crisp greens, just-picked sweet corn; it’s all so good and so good for you. Go straight to the source: farm stands and farmers’ markets—where it’s all laid out in bins full of Nature’s finest—and pick out your ideal ingredients.
Photo by ChesterAlive.
Going straight to the grower for your bounty, whether at the communal market or on the farm, adds value to your purchases in so many ways. You’ll find unique artisanal products made with love. You’ll be mixing with fellow foodies of all descriptions, especially if you choose to visit one of the many farms that have U-pick, fun things for kids, taprooms, and other creative good times to go with the good food. You’ll be helping us keep the Hudson Valley green, wonderful, and oh-so-nutritious.
Shopping locally is the way to make sure you’re getting the very freshest and tastiest. Enjoy the best of summer with these three simple, delicious recipes that highlight the flavors of our beautiful valley.
grilled peach and charred corn salsa
Serves 4
Prep: 10 min- Cook: 20 min
ingredients
- 4 ears of corn,, husked
- 2 peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 pint quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red onion
- 1 finely chopped jalapeño
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt
directions
1. Grill the peaches (3-5 min, cut side down) and the corn (12-15 min, turning) until marked and slightly softened. Let cool.
2. Combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt.
3. Cut the corn kernels off the cob and dice the peaches. Add to the bowl with cilantro.
4. Gently stir to combine. Serve fresh or chilled.
Photo by Elena Veselova.
Shopping locally is the way to make sure you’re getting the very freshest and tastiest. Enjoy the best of summer with these three simple, delicious recipes that highlight the flavors of our beautiful valley.
balsamic glazed veggie kebabs
- Serves 4-5
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 15 min
ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds mixed vegetables (such as eggplant, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, tomatoes), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 16 (9- to 10-inch) skewers, soaked in water
directions
1. Place the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Heat an outdoor grill for direct, medium- to high-heat cooking. Meanwhile, place the vegetables and oil in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers.
3. Put the kebabs on the grill and cook undisturbed until grill marks appear on the vegetables, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip the skewers and grill for 2 minutes more.
4. Brush the vegetables with the balsamic glaze. Reduce the heat to medium (or move the vegetables to a cooler part of the grill). Flip the skewers every minute or so, brushing the vegetables with the glaze each time you flip them. Grill until the vegetables are cooked through and lightly charred, 10 to 15 minutes total. Brush the vegetables once more with glaze before serving.
Photo by ChesterAlive.
late summer caprese salad
- Serves 3
- Prep: 5 min
ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- 2–3 tomatoes
- 1 bunch basil
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
directions
Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into thin slices. Lay tomato slices on a platter, top with a leaf of basil, and then layer with mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately
Everything you need for your next summer cookout can be found at these great local farms and markets. Many towns have community farmers’ markets, usually on weekends; inquire at the farm stand or ask the town clerk. Ideas:
Adams Fairacre Farms (various locations)
Bistro To Go, Kingston
Cheese Louise, Kingston
High Falls Food Co-op, High Falls
Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson
Mill & Main Provisions, Kerhonkson
Saunderskill Farm, Accord
Sunflower Natural Foods, Woodstock and Rhinebeck
Wallkill View Farm, New Paltz
