We’ve progressed 4 weeks, had some good times and some great weather, It’s a great time to re-explore what our local producers have on hand for us.
In market:
Asparagus, Greens, Eggs, herbs, onions, Beets, Carrots, Turnips, radishes, berries, spring garlic, pea shoots, and CHOY varieties.
Soon to market:
Broccoli, Cauliflower, peas, and shell beans as well as local pasture raised chicks, if you can find one fresh get them and roast them off.
Also abundant is fresh seafood, I haven’t been paying attention at Hy-Vee but Midwest Seafood has Cobia, Halibut, Tuna, Char, and swordfish coming in twice a week, as well as their fresh shellfish assortment of mussels, clams, and scallops, all this will be super fresh Friday.
This warm weather brings out the desire to be outside, not stuck in a kitchen. We want to grill out and eat highly flavored but EASY meals. One trick to accomplish this would be to grill extra meat every time you fire up and use the extra to make a tasty salad:
Grab those Fresh local greens and make a quick Caesar or vinaigrette, add in some fresh berries and some toasted nuts and you’re all set. Be creative, cooking is fun, recipes are guidelines not rules.
Any idea to take advantage of the Fish is to make ceviche, cut fish into bite size cubes, boil some water then add salt and lemon juice to it, prepare a very cold Ice bath, blanche the fish in small batches for 45-60 seconds then plunge into the ice bath, remove when cooking has been stopped and put aside in the ice box (1 pound of fish, Halibut, Scallops, Squid will all work nicely). Juice 3 limes and add 1 each of minced garlic clove and minced jalapeno, then personalize with Chopped mint or cilantro, or slice red onions. About 25 minutes before ready to serve toss everything together, and season right before you serve—you’ll feel like you just won Top Chef as you enjoy this.
Ideas could go on and on for pages. Just want to encourage you to be creative and explore new flavors.
What’s the most creative dish you’ve made during the challenge? What are you finding at the market that’s “blow’n your mind”?
