Strawberries – hull, slice and serve on top of homemade (or store bought) vanilla ice cream. We own a Cuisinart electric ice cream maker. It’s a super simple device that helps us make creamy, delicious ice cream with a few hours notice.
Cantaloupe and cucumbers – here’s a refreshing and simple salad to throw together at the last minute.
Melon and Cucumbers with Pepper and Lime
Romaine – what’s more versatile than the crisp, full leaves of fresh romaine? Throw them into a sandwich for extra crunch, toss a salad with the cucumber, melon, strawberries, tomato or onions from Freshness Farms – or any of the other luscious possibilities at the farmer’s market or your own garden.
Tomato and Basil – for a fresh and flavorful lunch try spreading a thick slice of rustic bread (or garlic-rubbed toast) with good olive tapenade (homemade is best, but store bought will work fine too). Top with generous slices of juicy tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese, a pinch of salt and several fresh basil leaves (or a handful of arugula). Top with another slice of bread or eat open-faced – be sure to have a napkin handy for wiping away the juice! For dinner, try this fabulous Italian salad from the Tuscan region – full of flavor and perfect for late summer when tomatoes are at their peak!
Panzanella – Italian Bread Salad
Dino Kale – another quick, cool summer salad (without the fresh fruit it works any time of year).
New Zealand Onions – for a different take on a speedy, super delicious sandwich (or appetizer) – spread toasted bread with softened goat cheese, warm Caramelized Onions, mixed with chopped roasted walnuts and a little chopped rosemary or thyme (from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone).
