A Perfect Meal

July 14, 2007

Now I know that’s a hefty title. So, let me disclaim by saying there can be more than one perfect meal. Just like some say there can be more than one "the one". Of course, there’s only one "the one" for me.

Back to the perfect meal. It’s the height of the summer and could anything be better than after a day at the Farmer’s Market filling your plate with all that goodness? Of course not. Let me take you on a mini-tour of this plate. Grilled asiago-Italian bread from our Great Harvest Bread friends, broccoli salad, caprese tomato stack, blanched asparagus, and peaches and blueberries. Have your vegetables every looked so good? Substitute whatever looks great at your market today and enjoy!

Broccoli salad

1 head broccoli

3 Tablespoons fresh mint leaves, julienned (not dried!)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/2 cup toasted pistachios (can substitute any nuts you want)

Blanch the broccoli in boiling, salted water for 3 minutes. Drain, and dump in a bowl of ice water to shock. Drain and toss with the lemon juice, zest, pistachios, mint leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or room temperature.

Posted in Farmer's Market, Vegetables, General