Sweet Summer Corn

By Andrew Hunter

Growing up in Michigan, sweet corn was as much a part of summer as swimming and humidity. I remember going to our local farm market called Leverett’s for corn so sweet that it satisfied my candy cravings.

Mrs. Leverett, who was also our source for pumpkins, Christmas trees and all things seasonal, taught me the quicker you go from stalk to pot, the sweeter the corn will be. I learned as a chef that the natural sugars change to starch after corn is picked, so while she probably didn’t understand the science, Mrs. Leverett knew enough to put a burner and pot of water in the field she was picking to capture that sugar before it escaped.

Click to read more ...

Avocado Soup – to Celebrate the Simple

By Lori Powell

It has been hot and super-hot in most of the country, not to mention what it going on with our economy, the world and the markets...not so hot!

Try to keep in mind that the simple things in life are not to be overlooked. We still have lots to be thankful for and if you have your health…well put simply, it does not get much better than that.

So much these days is out of our control but being thankful for what we still have and rewarding ourselves with good food is a good thing.

Make yourself something delicious, invite some friends and celebrate the simple! Here’s a refreshing soup for four to start you on your way.

Click to read more ...

Tomatoes in the Raw

By Katie Barreira

August is the right time for a ripe tomato. As a latecomer to the joys of this fresh fruit (ketchup was as close as I came to a tomato in my youth), I do my best to make up for the lost years during tomato season.

Whether it’s grape tomatoes halved in guacamole, beefsteak slices layered with fresh mozzarella or whole sun-warmed heirlooms eaten straight off the vine, I can always find room for fresh tomatoes.

Click to read more ...