Whenever and wherever there is a Farmer’s Market, I’m there. It’s the best kind of shopping. And if you are specifically looking for dessert ideas, you will find endless possibilities all season long. In the summer there will be all kinds of berries, and stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries. Autumn brings apples, pears, persimmons, and figs. Winter citrus offers tangerines, grapefruit, and oranges, although if you live in a cold climate as I do, winter Farmer’s Markets are closed which means finding items at a quality grocery store. But since we are in the height of summer, I head for the berries and stone fruits to make jams, preserves, and desserts. I will definitely use this cookbook for ideas.
Some of the delicious recipe possibilities for Summer include an Apricot-Almond Tart, Nectarine-Blueberry Cobbler, Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie, Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll, and Mixed Berry Pavolvettes with Lemon-Lime Cream. When Autumn begins, try Baked Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Caramel, Ginger-Pear Skillet Cake, Amaretto-Filled Caramel Roasted Pears, Fresh Fig Bars, and Persimmon Swirl Cheesecake in a Gingersnap Crust. There are so many more suggestions for Winter desserts, tropical fruits, dried fruits and herbs, and ideas for using other products found at markets using honey, nuts, jams, and maple syrup.
Today (Thursday) is our local Farmer’s Market Day, set up in our beautiful town square with row after row of Summer produce. But, alas, I can’t make it there today because I’m waiting for my new refrigerator to be delivered! Next week I’ll make it for sure and fill up the new appliance with all kinds of fruits and vegetables. In the meantime, I’ll go through the recipes in the book and plan what to make. Jams are definitely in the forecast. What are you making this summer from your Farmer’s Market?
A new fridge! How exciting! I haven’t made it to a farmers’ market yet, but we’ve been given home grown sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, onions and of course, zucchini! I love them ALL! What a glorious time of year for food. I’ve purchased some good organic blueberries from Costco, but am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Colorado peaches.
Hi Denise- I await peaches every year too. My husband brought some home and I made a peach crisp which will be on a blog soon. One of my favorite jams is a peach-apricot and that’s next on my list. Lucky you to be given all those goodies! Being in Illinois, we get great sweet corn and love to grill it.