Mainely Martha

Ah, the variety of fresh fruit in the summer. Going to a farm stand or farmer’s market is like being a kid in the candy store. There is so much to choose from and so many options on how to consume them. Add it to salads, mull it in a cocktail, bake a pie, muffins or a tart, and if you are really ambitious, make your own jam. But, best of all, keep it simple and enjoy the true flavor by eating it all on it’s own.

One fruit that is currently in season, that is always a hit in our home; strawberries. We buy them in the market, grow them in the yard and go to a local farm to pick more, but still cannot manage to keep the supply up with the demand. We start each summer with the traditional strawberry shortcake and then added to salads and a few stashed from the boys for my new seasonal Mule; the strawberry-basil mule…YUM! But, mainly, the strawberries are eaten as is as a healthy snack.

And following strawberry season, we welcome blueberry season with open arms…literally open arms; we buy and pick these berries in bulk. Aside from the pleasure of the berries on their own, the blueberry season is the kick-off of pie season. And although it is summer, blueberry pie is reason enough to fire up the oven. And while my youngest lights up at the first smell and taste of pie, he earnestly points out, between mouthfuls, that this is just the beginning…peaches will come next and then the grand finale of his ultimate favorite…apple. But, as I constantly remind him, let’s not wish our summer away in anticipation of apple season. Fall and apples will come in due time, slow down and soak in the fruits of the season.

Enjoy the sweetness of summer while it lasts!