PRODUCT: Brown Turkey Figs

A trip to the farmers market yesterday reminded us that brown turkey figs are in season (June through September). Other nice surprises were fresh lychees and okra, but our pitch today is for the figs. Figs are a “locavore” food: The fresh-picked fruit neither keeps well nor transports well. That’s why most figs on the…
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NO-BAKE DESSERT: Mascarpone Spread & Basil Blackberries

This fresh blackberry dessert with a mascarpone spread is sophisticated yet so easy to make and serve. A tub of mascarpone turns into a sophisticated spread when topped with a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, blackberries, and basil. Serve it with biscotti, cookies/biscuits, or unsalted crackers, and guests will be asking for the…
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FOOD FUN: Watermelon People

We received an email from Bean Sprouts Café and Cooking School, which focuses on better-for-you food for kids and families. As is our wont, we went to check out the website and found these watermelon people. It reminded us that it was time to get out the cookie cutters and have fun with our food…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Summer Salad With Berries & Mandarins

A salad so fruity, you could have it for dessert (photo © Peach Valley Cafe.   Doesn’t this salad from Florida-based Peach Valley Café burst with summer? Blueberries, mandarin segments, strawberries, frisée and baby greens are garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds and homemade peach ginger dressing.     You can add or substitute…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Fruit Soup

You don’t have to turn on the stove or the oven to make this refreshing dessert: fruit soup. Made from fresh or dried fruit, served hot or cold, fruit soups are underrepresented on American menus. Yet, they offer variety year-round. Cold soups tend to be made with seasonal fruit and are thus served in warmer…
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