Saratoga Farmers' Market

peaches

Eating with the Season: Summer Meals

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By Catherine Morba

We have waited patiently, our farmers have worked tirelessly, and the Upstate New York soil has recognized the efforts and responded with annual generosity. Market tables are beginning to overflow with rainbows of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. With so many ingredients for the taking, cooks can indulge in cravings for juicy peaches, leafy greens, and heirloom tomatoes of all sorts while paying homage to the local lands that bore them.

Summer vegetables on the grill

This special season deserves cooking that is equally so. The ideal recipe is light, refreshing, and a celebration of all summer has to offer. Another consideration is temperature. During the dog days of summer, the less time spent inside with ovens ablaze the better. When heat is required, a grill can be a saving grace. Grilling up a large batch of fresh vegetables tossed in a simple marinade such as minced garlic, lemon juice, and good quality olive oil provides options for the next several meals. I use a grill basket, skillet, or shish kabob set depending on the vegetable but prefer to put them right on the grate for the coveted grill marks. Serve them as-is, then combine leftovers with grains like bulgur, quinoa, or rice. Grill whole bell peppers and stuff with any of the above, or beans and cilantro for a Southwest take. Experiment with fresh herbs, cheeses, kinds of vinegar, and seasonings to round out the dishes.

This week, try Polenta with Grilled Eggplant, Tomatoes and Basil. While the grate is still hot, make way for a dessert of Grilled Peaches with Browned Butter and Cinnamon Crumbs. The options for different flavors, textures, and pops of color are endless and impressive, but not time-consuming. Meals that are quick to come together allow for more precious moments in the backyard with feet kicked up, full plate in hand, and family and friends abound.

Grilled Peaches with Browned Butter and Cinnamon Crumbs

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By Pattie Garrett of My Saratoga Kitchen Table. Adapted from the recipe by Half Baked Harvest.
Serves: 8

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

Cinnamon Toast Brioche Crumbs:
● 4 slices brioche bread, pulsed into fine crumbs (about 2 cups of crumbs)
● 4 tablespoons salted butter*, melted
● 2 to 5 tablespoons cinnamon sugar to your taste, plus more for serving
Browned Butter Grilled Peaches:
● 4 tablespoons salted butter*
● 2 tablespoons honey*
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
● ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon*
● 4 ripe, but firm peaches or nectarines, halved with pit removed
● vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. To make the cinnamon toast crumbs: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a bowl, toss the breadcrumbs, butter, and cinnamon sugar. Spread onto the sheet pan. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  2. To make the browned butter: Add the butter to a skillet set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown until it smells toasted and is a deep golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often. Remove from the heat and transfer the butter to a heatproof bowl. Stir in honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. The butter can be used immediately or cooled completely and stored up to one week. Serve at room temperature.
  3. To grill the peaches: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Grill the fruit for 2 to 3 minutes or until char marks appear, flip and grill another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the grill and immediately drizzle each peach half with browned butter. Serve topped with vanilla ice cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon toast crumbs.
Photo by Pattie Garrett