Well, there it goes…another summer and another zero chance to finally wear that bikini I bought 30 years ago…so YOU’RE WELCOME!  To get your mind off that mental picture, let’s talk about something equally unsettling…like the WEATHER!  2022 has been a temperature record breaker…and not in a good way.  The nice tv weather lady says we’re now in our FIFTH …

It’s late August and although the local populace is sensing a change in the air, the produce tables haven’t lost a beat.  The melons are at their thumping best, the beans are snappy and the corn is piled high. In fact, this year’s corn crop is as sweet as I’ve ever remembered…whether all white or bi-colored.  Don’t know why…in this …

I know it’s getting late, but I can’t let the summer end without my annual match-up of summer reads and local food.   So, while there’s still a few weeks left for pulling your lounger up to the water’s edge at the beach, lake or pool, here’s a few to dive into. First up, and an annual repeater, is Barbara Kingsolver’s …

But before you read this…do this: Vote for the LFM’s chance to win $10,000.  Thanks! Last week, lost in my summer cocktail expedition, I completely missed the turn for National Farmers Market Week (August 7-13 for those taking notes).   Recalculating….   The good news is that here in Lansdowne we have Farmers Market Week every week, from Memorial Day to Halloween…so …

We’ve been standing in the produce aisle for two weeks now, and I don’t know about you, but I’m gettin’ kinda thirsty.  Sure, plain H2O would be good, but I’m thinkin’ we could kick it up a cool notch or two just by floating a few slices of this cucumber in the pitcher.   Maybe some mint sprigs from the garden?   …

Gentle readers…when last we met I had used up all my words (it happens) on just a smattering of all there is to say about the veggie aisle.   I’ve subsequently been contacted by the onion, garlic and bell pepper consortium with a request to rectify the omission.  I shall do so forthwith. This particular trio usually spend their talents boosting …

Okay…we’ve gorged on the peaches, melons and berries, and looking forward to more…But  for the moment, let’s move along past the sweet and juicy aisle and see what’s looking good…and good for us…in the savory department.  Today, we’re talkin’ veggies.  While the summer fruits may beguile us into a sugary high, we all know that life isn’t just a bowl …

Last week I expounded on the joy of eating my favorite summer fruits ONLY in season, and only locally.  However, there is a caveat:  There’s just too much of it to buy only just enough.  It’s the old “eyes bigger than the stomach”…or the refrigerator… conundrum.    So some concessions get made.   To wit:  It’s within seasonal bounds to freeze some …

Did I tell you or did I tell you?  Summer has arrived in Lansdowne, just like I promised!   Judging from the lines at each of this week’s produce tables, it didn’t disappoint.  And summer dinner tables just garnered another Michelin star. First up on the menu…and first of the season: super-sweet local corn from Amish land.  “Hello you sweet thing…it’s …

When making your produce picks at Fruitwood Farms, don’t forget the honey, honey.   More than a delicious sub for cane sugar, honey has health benefits that have been known since our ancestors walked upright. In other words, forever.  In fact, word is that’s what Wilma smeared on Fred’s feet after a long drive.  The sticky stuff may have lost some …