Flavors of Summer
Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the unofficial start to summer for me. It's a time when the days grow longer, the air warms up, and the backyard becomes a place for friends and family to connect again. To celebrate the season, I love to truly embrace the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce.
There's something magical about late spring/ early summer's bounty — fruits and vegetables that are not only at their peak flavor but also packed with nutrients. Eating seasonal produce is a delight for the taste buds and even better for our health. When fruits and vegetables are harvested at the right time, they contain the most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, the flavors are unbeatable. If you've ever bitten into a sun-ripened peach or a juicy heirloom tomato, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
To kick off the weekend, my family and I fired up the grill and prepared a medley of dishes that highlighted the best of what the season has to offer. We grilled oysters with a zesty lemon, parsley, olive oil and garlic sauce. The briny oysters, kissed by the heat of the grill and complemented by the fresh, aromatic herbs and citrus, were a huge hit. They disappeared almost as quickly as they came off the grill.
We spent all day in the water, as we usually do on MDW and we couldn’t stop talking about the craving for peaches. Sweet yet savory — grilled peaches. These juicy, caramelized delights were the star of an arugula, heirloom tomato, and peach salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a high quality single-estate olive oil. The combination of peppery arugula, sweet peaches, and rich, flavorful tomatoes was a perfect tribute to the season. The balsamic added a tangy sweetness that brought everything together beautifully.
For the main, I couldn't resist preparing one of my favorite cuts of meat: a frenched rack of lamb. This elegant and flavorful cut is perfect for hosting gatherings. There's a certain satisfaction that comes with serving a beautifully cooked rack of lamb, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I seasoned it simply with fresh herbs, garlic, a touch of lemon zest, and a little za’atar then grilled it to perfection. The result was tender, juicy lamb with a deliciously crispy exterior.
As I reflect on the weekend, I'm reminded of how cooking with seasonal produce really elevates our gatherings and brings a sort of nostalgia for each time of year. The flavors are fresher, the nutrients are richer, and there's a certain joy in knowing that we're eating foods that are in harmony with nature's cycles.
As we embrace the summer season, my hope for you is to make the most of what it has to offer. Head to your local farmers' market, fill your baskets with the best of the season, and fire up the grill. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a quiet dinner alone at home, let the vibrant flavors of summer produce inspire you to live in harmony with Mother Earth. Here's to a summer filled with delicious meals, great company, and the most nutrient dense produce the season has to offer!
xx