Gastronomic Meditations: Summer Corn

With the advent of warmer weather and baseball season, I can't help recalling with great fondness the Sunday dinners at my grandparents' house when I was young. I didn't think much of it then, but now that I am a mom and love preparing family dinners for my son, husband, parents and whoever else might happen by, I realize just how much those lazy Sunday afternoons listening to the Yankees on the radio and cooking with my Nanny and mom has meant to me.

Most Sundays, my parents and I would take the short ride from our home to spend the day with my "Nanny and Poppy". Our weekly sojourn always included a trip to Adams Fairacre Farms; going to Adams was my favorite part of the day because they always had yummy cookies, cakes and candies that no typical grocery store had. My mother, Nanny and I would gather the produce and other items that we needed to make our dinner complete for that day, and I could always count on one thing -- that corn on the cob would be on the menu. (read more)

Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad with Tarragon Cream

A colorfully seductive dish, this light, yet alluring dessert of soft, juicy fruits is perfect for a spring or summer refresher. In this simple salad, we capture distinctly different flavors – sweet, tart and savory – and wrap them together in a subtle tarragon and honey cream. We also provide a variation for presentation – a sexy timbale of fruits – so have fun and experiment with whatever variation suits your style and comfort level.

Cocktails: Blood Brothers

An evocative potion of blood oranges and Agavero (the tequila liqueur) is paired with the “soldiers’ herbs” of tarragon & coriander seeds. These anise flavors with hints of raspberries are softened with essence of the floral coriander and earthed by the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Celebrate this crimson cocktail together with your own “blood brothers”.

Recipe: Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup

The combination of cucumbers and yogurt is a classic Balkan and Middle Eastern pairing. Here, we make use of the creaminess and soothing coolness in a chilled summer soup which requires no cooking. Take it along in a chilled thermos for a picnic pick-me-up, or serve it as we do in frosted glasses with springs of mint as a garnish.

Special Feature: Father's Day Menu

OK, now that Mom has been pampered, it's time to spoil Dad a little bit. Since he usually gets stuck with a tie, why not prepare him a delicious, manly meal? This menu is full of the bold flavors men love, and you've got plenty of time to plan, so no excuses! Wine notes are included below, so ready thy aprons and glasses, and let's offer a toast to the Big Guy.

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Mixology: Refreshing Summer Cocktails

These are perfect thirst quenchers for the holiday weekend, so get mixing!

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