- Author: Leda McDaniel
One of the best perks about eating local, seasonal produce is that it is intuitive to what you may be craving this time of year. Right now it's really time for foods to keep you cool. What better than cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, zucchini, and sweet corn that you can find at your local Farmers' Markets right now?!? Try these easy recipes to help you beat the summer heat!
1- Watermelon Popsicles
If you have never tried frozen watermelon, you are in for a treat! Simply, cut watermelon into narrow wedges with the rind on (like you would to eat fresh). Cut a slit in the rind and push in a popsicle stick (not absolutely necessary, but makes for less messy eating). Place in freezer until completely frozen. Once frozen, eat like you would a popsicle.
2- Grilled Summer Veggies
The beauty of this recipe is that it is just as delicious served cold as it is hot off the grill! Serve it as a cool veggie salad with lunch or dinner. The grill sauce and marinade is what makes this recipe a hit. We promise you will like this one!
Grilling Sauce:
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, minced
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to meld the flavors. Preheat your barbeque or oven broiler on high. Cut 2 pounds of your favorite summer vegetables into ¼ inch thick slices. Good vegetables for grilling are summer squash, zucchini, onions, peppers, and eggplant. Brush the grilling sauce onto the cut vegetables and grill over a hot fire for approximately 4 minutes per side. Once vegetables are tender, remove from the grill and brush again with remaining sauce. Serve hot or cold. Serves 6.
3- Cucumber Lemonade
This is a nice twist on classic lemonade that will be sure to cool you off and please your taste buds. Did you know that cucumbers are more than 90% water?!
2 medium cucumbers
juice from 3 lemons
2 Tbsp. honey
1 cup of warm water
1 gallon of cold water
Dissolve honey in the cup of warm water and then place in blender to combine with remaining ingredients. Chill before serving. You can also substitute limes for lemons to make cucumber limeade, yum!
4- Minty Melon Ball Appetizers
1 medium cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, or your melon of choice
1/ 2 bunch of fresh mint, minced
Juice from 2 limes
1 Tbsp. honey
Bring these fun appetizers to your next summer barbecue or pool party. Simply, scoop out your favorite melon with a melon baller (use different types of melon for different colors!) Whisk lime juice, honey and mint together to combine. Then gently toss with melon balls. Place melon balls on a plate and serve with toothpicks. Serve chilled.
5- Sweet Corn and Tomato Relish
2 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels cut off (about 1 cup kernels)
1 medium tomato, diced
1/3 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
Juice from ½ lime
Salt and black pepper to taste
Gently mix all ingredients together. Serve as a dip for chips or as a topping for grilled veggies or meat. Makes about 2 cups.