What comes in black, rosy red or golden yellow, is both tart and sweet and is one of summer's greatest pleasures? The raspberry, of course.
And, there should be plenty of them at the market this week. If you haven't experienced the black raspberries at Honey Locust Farmhouse - make sure to rectify that this weekend before they disappear. Raspberries are known as a "super fruit" because they are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Recent studies suggests that eating red raspberries may prevent cancer by inhibiting the abnormal division of cells and promoting the normal death of healthy cells.
They are also delicious. They are even more tasty when paired with apricot, cinnamon, citrus, ginger, lemon, nectarine, other berries, peach, plum, rhubarb, thyme and vanilla.
They tend to be spendy which is why it's so annoying that they are also extremely perishable. According to Cooks Illustrated (my bible for all things "practical" in the kitchen) the best way to stretch your raspberries (if they make it home from the market that is) is to wash them in a diluted vinegar bath (1 cup vinegar plus 3 cups water) and spin them dry in a salad spinner lined with paper towels until they are completely dry. Store the cleaned berries in a sealable container lined with more paper towels, leaving the lid open a little to allow moisture to escape.
When I was trolling for raspberry recipes I was tickled to find this one for a goat cheesecake in Bon Appetit. Can you imagine how a cheesecake would taste if it were made with goat cheese from Painted Goat and with just-laid eggs? Why not plan a late-night dinner party around this dessert. I would double the amount of berries...and use black and red raspberries and the last blueberries of the year - and a sprig of thyme for extra flavor! Or some of that stunny purple basil from Honey Locust Farmhouse as a garnish. Why not serve it a la mode with a scoop of Penny Lick's black raspberry and mint ice cream? Made of course, with Honey Locust black raspberries.
This week, I am happy to introduce RAGHOO FARMS who will be joining our lineup. They are based in Rhinebeck and sell very reasonably priced free-range chicken, duck, goat, rabbit, lamb and sometimes, elk meat. They also have gorgeous duck eggs....Please stop by and say hello....
Though Cowberry Crossin was due to come this week, they are unable to. They'll be back in two Saturdays.
The knife sharpeners will be here NEXT week, August 17th.
And stay tuned for our PEACH THROWDOWN on the 17th as well - two local personal chefs will battle it out in the market plaza at 10 a.m.
See you at the market!
Pascale