We're in the sweet spot of summer

Last week the Dispatch wanted to take some pictures of me at the market for a story they're working on. I, of course, felt I needed to fill my French straw market basket with all things pretty and purple for the pic. I grabbed some of Ellen Duffy's stunning fresh lavender bouquets and in the Halal Pastures tent, I reached for a stunning greenish-purple bunch of amaranth. So pretty!

I knew what to do with the lavender when I got home, but was stumped by the bushy, leggy wild amaranth. When confounded by wild produce I don't turn to AI, but to Alan Bergo of foragerchef.com. Alan always has interesting intel and preparations for more unusual produce that often grows wild, like amaranth. I came up with his recipe for wilted amaranth with garlic, chili and summer mushrooms. And this recipe for saag paneer with amaranth greens which I cannot wait to try. (Pro tip, a nice alternative to the cheese is some goat halloumi from Painted Goat Farm, back next week).

Zucchini is running amok at the market right now. And the delicate-skinned new potatoes are also coming in. Perfect timing to make this recipe for zucchini feta quiche with a potato crust. Oh my! I can't wait to try this. Perfect for a relaxed Sunday brunch or for an easy breezy weeknight dinner with salad greens from Obercreek or paired with this head-turner of a tomato salad.

Don't forget the focaccia from Dobbs' own Abbiocco Salumeria, the perfect exclamation point to this meal.

If you find you have over-bought zucchini around the middle of the week, do make this delicious one bowl zucchini cake. The perfect thing to take to a weekend at the beach. 

Our favorite duo of lamb is here: Chuck and Heid from Wil -HI Farm will have various cuts of lamb but given the weather, I'm planning on making these bright lamb kebabs with a tangy yogurt sauce. Skewer some zukes, red onions, mushrooms, and peppers to serve with them (and the sauce).

New vendor alert: we're always trying to mix it up with our prepared food vendors to bring you a menu as international as, well, the World Cup.  We are thrilled to bring you La Talaye, purveyors of Caribbean cuisine with a healthy twist. (Speaking of international flair, have you driven by the house on Pleasant Ave. in Hastings that put out little flags on their lawn representing each country in the Cup, removing them as the Cup progressed? Needless to say I was very unhappy to see the French flag disappear this week).  If you are rooting for Argentina on Sunday, pick up some empanadas from Del Norte. 

Set your knives and pruning shears by the front door because Ready Set Sharp will be here.