Golden Beets with Tahini and Pistachios

Peel and steam some golden beets until fork tender, let cool then cut into half inch pieces. For the tahini, whisk together or food process a half cup of tahini, the juice of one lemon, a quarter cup of hot water, and two minced garlic cloves until smooth, then salt to taste. Sprinkle with some chopped pistachio nuts before serving.

You are correct; there aren’t any pistachio nuts in the photo. I evidently took the picture prematurely. But they were there, and I will say without a doubt, they made the dish…as did the local beets.

Mussels with Chorizo

Lucky for us local food lovers, Vermont Salumi is just one of several local charcuterie makers utilizing the curing facility at the Mad River Food Hub, their chorizo was perfect for these mussels… lots of flavor with a little bit of zip. Start by mincing a two inch length of the chorizo and sauté for two minutes in a large pot with a generous pour of olive oil. Stir in a finely chopped shallot, and three minutes later, four to six minced garlic cloves.

When the shallot is translucent add a cup or two of clam stock depending on how many pounds of mussels you’re cooking. After bringing to a simmer add salt and pepper to taste. When you’re ready to go, turn up the heat to medium, add the mussels to the pot, cover, and cook until they’re firm all the way though, less than five minutes. Spoon into bowls with plenty of broth and garnish with chopped cilantro or as pictured here, caper aioli.

Crispy Fried Zucchini

I will warn you, these things are addictive. Tender, crispy, juicy, and full of the flavor of summer…make them while the zucchini is still local. Slice the zucchini or summer squash length wise into 1/8th inch strips, dust both sides with salt and pepper then set aside. Cover the bottom of a large frying pan with vegetable oil and set over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Next, prep a large bowl with a couple of scrambled egss, and another with flour, salt, pepper, and if you’re the herby type, oregano, parsley, or tarragon.

When everything is ready to go dip the zucchini slices in the egg, dredge in the flour, and then place in the hot oil. Repeat until you cover the bottom of the pan, making sure to leave a bit of room between each slice. Cook for a few minutes per side or until browned then transfer to paper towels or a brown paper bag. You may need to scrape your pan clean with a spatula between batches.

Chicken with Ratatouille

Not only is ratatouille great for making an ordinary meal extra ordinary, but this is the best time of year to make one given the availability of local vegetables. In a large pot sauté a chopped onion in a bit of oil until translucent, then add four minced garlic cloves and a cubed eggplant and cook for another ten minutes stirring occasionally.

Next into the pot goes a chopped zucchini, bell pepper, and a generous squeeze of anchovy paste for a burst of umami, continue cooking for another ten minutes. Following, stir in either a few chopped or premium canned tomatoes and a large handful of chopped basil and cook until the vegetables are tender. Salt and pepper to taste before serving over a grilled chicken breast, steak, pork chop, or lamb shoulder.

Cucumbers with Whipped Feta

I used cucumbers this time around but it could just as easily have been tomatoes, blanched green beans, or gilled zucchini…this whipped feta will make for a tasty appetizer or side dish. Puree 8 oz. of crumbled feta in a food processor for a few seconds to break up the larger chunks. Add a couple tablespoons of cream cheese or Greek yogurt, the juice from half a lemon, a peeled garlic clove, and a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil. Run until smooth then salt and pepper to taste.

Cube your cucumber and toss with some olive, lemon juice, and salt. A few minutes before serving give each salad plate a good schmear of the feta spread then spoon the cucumber over the top. If you’re thinking appetizers, serve it as a dip with some pita chips, or on a watermelon and basil bruschetta.