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mint

Cucumber Cooler Cocktails

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Photo by Pattie Garrett

Recipe by Minimalist Baker
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 1 1/2 oz vodka* (1 1/2 oz equals 3 Tbsp)
● 4-6 slices cucumber*
● 1/4 medium lime (sliced)
● 4 oz tonic water
● 6 mint* leaves

Instructions
1. Add mint, lime, gin, and sugar (if using) to the shaker and muddle.
2. Add cucumber slices to the shaker and shake vigorously.
3. Pour mixture over a glass filled with ice and top with tonic water.
4. Stir, let sit for a few minutes for the flavors to enhance and enjoy.

Spinach Salad with Peaches and Beets

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Photo by Pattie Garrett

Adapted from the recipe featured in Eating Well, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Total time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 1½ pounds small to medium beets*, preferably Chioggia*
● ½ cup water
● 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt*
● 1 Tablespoon honey*
● 1 teaspoon lemon juice
● ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
● 1 Tablespoon olive oil
● ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
● 4 cups fresh spinach* or Lacinato Kale (cut kale into ¼” ribbons)
● 4 ripe peaches*, cut into ½ inch wedges
● 2 Tablespoons small fresh mint leaves* or torn basil*
● ¼ cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash beets and place in a small roasting pan. Pierce all over with a small paring knife. Add water to the pan and cover with foil. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Combine yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
4. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut into ½ inch wedges. Transfer to a medium bowl and toss with oil, pepper, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
5. To assemble the salad, make a bed of spinach greens. Drizzle with half of dressing and top with beets and peaches. Tuck in mint or basil in between the beets and peaches. Drizzle remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with chopped almonds or hazelnuts.

Notes: The original recipe calls for adding 3 Tablespoons of hazelnuts to the dressing. Process in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Green Herb Yogurt Dip

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Adapted from the recipe by Washington Post Going Out Guide assistant editor Emily Codik
Makes 6 servings

Photo by Pattie Garrett

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 2 cups plain Greek yogurt* (or full-fat plain yogurt*)
● 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint*
● 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley*
● 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill*
● 2 cloves garlic, grated
● Zest of 1 lemon plus juice of 1/2 lemon
● Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Combine the yogurt, mint, parsley, dill, garlic, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl and mix well; taste to check the seasonings. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes
● Storing: You can make this ahead and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.
● Variations: Mix and match herbs however you like by adding fresh chives, tarragon, or basil. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for lime juice. If you want to add some heat to this dip, add a fresh jalapeno. Half the jalapeno, remove the seeds and ribs and chop finely.
● Using this dip: Dip in fresh veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. If you love making salads, toss your greens in this dressing. Try using as a sauce for kebabs, grilled meat, or poultry. Or use as a topping for grilled vegetables or burrito bowls.

Fresh herbs bring flavor and beauty to food

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By Julia Howard

Burger’s Market Garden, photo by Pattie Garrett

At the farmers’ market, fragrant herb bouquets and pots spilling with over with leafy herb plants offer market-goers an abundance of culinary exploration. While common herbs do compliment specific foods, there are no rules for what to use them in. Fresh herbs may be mixed and matched to your liking.

Common herbs can be put into two categories: woody herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, and soft herbs such as basil, parsley, and cilantro. Woody herbs can be added earlier in the cooking process while soft herbs are commonly added towards the end of the cooking process or as a garnish.

Herbs can be easily stored upright in a jar of water or between a damp paper towel in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Here are just some of the common herbs available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the farmers’ market.

Basil, photo by Pattie Garrett

Basil is recognized by its glossy, pointed leaves and sweet-savory flavor. Basil pairs well with tomatoes, strawberries, mozzarella, beef, and shrimp.

Cilantro is a delicate citrusy herb most commonly used fresh at the end of cooking. Cilantro is popular in Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.

Mint has a subtly sweet and peppery flavor, and it is used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. Its powerful flavor compliments lamb, feta, mojitos, and even chocolate.

Dill is a delicate and feathery herb with slender stems. Dill pairs with salmon, cucumber, and potatoes, and is commonly used in pickling mixtures, dressings, and egg dishes.

Chives have a subtly oniony flavor with hints of garlic. Recognizable by its grass-like leaves and vibrant green color, chives make the perfect garnish for dishes with eggs or potatoes.

Thyme has small, pale green leaves and pungent aroma that pairs well with hearty meat like pork and chicken. Thyme holds up well to heat and can be used during the cooking process.

Parsley, photo by Pattie Garrett

Parsley is a mild bitter herb that many use as a garnish for food, but it helps dishes like stews achieve a more balanced flavor. As an added benefit, parsley can aid in digestion.

Oregano is a sweet, slightly peppery member of the mint family. This herb is commonly used in dishes like tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, and kebabs, and is a staple in Italian and Greek cuisine.

Rosemary has been prized for its sturdy, aromatic sprigs and oil for centuries. Its needle-like leaves can be used for roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and even flavorful bundt cakes.

Sage is known for its fuzzy leaves and savory flavor with a peppery bite. Fresh sage leaves are commonly used in sausage and gnocchi. Sage can be cooked or fried as a garnish for squash.

 

This week’s recipe: Green Herb Yogurt Dip

(One Pan) Chicken Breast and Carrots

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Adapted from the recipe in Cook’s Illustrated, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Serves 4
Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients
*Ingredients available at the farmers’ market
● 4 (10 to 12 ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts*, trimmed
● 2 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
● Olive oil*
● 1 shallot*, thinly sliced
● ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
● 1 ½ pounds carrots*, peeled and sliced on bias, ¼ inch thick
● ½ cup water
● 2 teaspoons lemon juice
● 3 teaspoons fresh mint*, minced

Photo by Pattie Garrett