Fruit:
Plums
Seckel Pears
Nectarines
Veg:
bell peppers
cherry tomatoes
large green tomato
string beans
baby potatoes
green leaf lettuce
chinese cabbage
arugula
purple basil
Eggs
Flowers: African Marigolds and Red Zinnias, more of that Purple pom-pom filler, flowering lemony basil
I spent a Saturday cooking up a storm. Chris was out in the backyard sanding and priming a roommate's antique vanity, and I wanted to feed him something new and vibrant. The stone fruits were once again so juicy and sweet that the best way to deal with them was simply slice in half, twist apart, and devour. The juice literally dribbled down my chin. That's what fruit is all about. Allure, attraction. Can't forget the vitamins, bioflavonoids, antioxidants!! Nature is so good to us.
Dishes:
Roasted Red Pepper and Purple Basil Bruschetta with Pumpkin Seeds
Pesto: Arugula, Basil, Pistachio
I used this delicious, easy-on-the-garlic pesto to fix a craving I was having for the Tuna Pesto Feta sandwiches from Murry's restaurant in Columbia, Mo. I got an ahi tuna steak from Whole Foods (set me back quite a bit of money, but it was worth it), slice up one of the brightly acidic green tomatoes from the pickup, bought a couple of pillowy kaiser rolls. Grilled the tuna in my mini Weber, toasted the rolls, crumbled feta into the pesto, and slapped everything together. As Chris would say, "Delish, man, delish. Nice sambo."
Poached Plum Tart in a pressed nut crust (not photo worthy, but apparently looks do not equal taste)
A housemate and friend of this housemate ate the whole tart while I was away one day. I was wondering if it was any good, since this was a new combination I tried, and the empty pan gave me my answer.
Okra Curry with String Beans
The okra came from the Union Square greenmarket, but the string beans were from the pickup. I have a fondness for this basic curry because it is light, flavorful and okra fulfills my quota for consuming a variety of vegetables. The combination of garlic, ginger, onions and tomatoes with curry is always satisfying.
