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My freshmen (Culinary Arts class of 2024) helped me to curate a list of the top 10 Essential Summer Foods that are must-haves during the hot summer months. The list ranges from experiences (because that is essential to creating food memories) to flavors that are so close to perfection that should you ignore them your life becomes a little less vibrant. Though it is not a completely comprehensive list, I think that this is a good map to follow!
My freshmen (Culinary Arts class of 2024) helped me to curate a list of the top 10 Essential Summer Foods that are must-haves during the hot summer months. The list ranges from experiences (because that is essential to creating food memories) to flavors that are so close to perfection that should you ignore them your life becomes a little less vibrant. Though it is not a completely comprehensive list, I think that this is a good map to follow!
At the end of this post I have included a checklist that can be printed out so that you can follow along. Hope you have fun and have a delicious summer!
At the end of this post I have included a checklist that can be printed out so that you can follow along. Hope you have fun and have a delicious summer!
Watermelon
Watermelon
A cold, juicy slice of watermelon is one of those treats that can transport you to another place. The hotter the day the better. Is it a little messy? Yes. Do the bees sometimes seek out your sticky fingers and chin (from the abundant juice)? Yes.
A cold, juicy slice of watermelon is one of those treats that can transport you to another place. The hotter the day the better. Is it a little messy? Yes. Do the bees sometimes seek out your sticky fingers and chin (from the abundant juice)? Yes.
For those of you who consider yourself to be foodies, pickled watermelon rind used as a textural component to an avant garde appetizer does not count for this challenge though those who are interested in total utilization and sustainable foods might applaud you. You don't have to eat an entire watermelon but you need the experience!
For those of you who consider yourself to be foodies, pickled watermelon rind used as a textural component to an avant garde appetizer does not count for this challenge though those who are interested in total utilization and sustainable foods might applaud you. You don't have to eat an entire watermelon but you need the experience!
Vine Ripened Garden Tomato
Vine Ripened Garden Tomato
There is nothing quite like a summer tomato. Though you really need to wait until late July to get reliably good ones it is more than worth the wait. If you do not regularly try heirloom tomatoes, eating them is an eye-opening experience. It will change your entire perspective on tomatoes.
There is nothing quite like a summer tomato. Though you really need to wait until late July to get reliably good ones it is more than worth the wait. If you do not regularly try heirloom tomatoes, eating them is an eye-opening experience. It will change your entire perspective on tomatoes.
Try your local farmer's market, or stop into Malerba's up in Norwich or Fiddlehead's in New London once they are in season. Eat them with fresh mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic, or simply sliced with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. If you have some nice bread like our cracked wheat loaf (Dave's killer bread is a good substitute from Stop and Shop) toast it, spread it with a little mayo and you have a great simple sandwich. Or take it a step further and make a BLT.
Try your local farmer's market, or stop into Malerba's up in Norwich or Fiddlehead's in New London once they are in season. Eat them with fresh mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic, or simply sliced with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. If you have some nice bread like our cracked wheat loaf (Dave's killer bread is a good substitute from Stop and Shop) toast it, spread it with a little mayo and you have a great simple sandwich. Or take it a step further and make a BLT.
PYO Berries
PYO Berries
There is nothing like eating berries that were picked that morning and never refrigerated. Take the time to go out and pick your own. It is fun, and you will get the opportunity to really observe the difference in levels of ripeness. Observe the color and firmness. If they pull off with little to no effort, they are close to perfect.
There is nothing like eating berries that were picked that morning and never refrigerated. Take the time to go out and pick your own. It is fun, and you will get the opportunity to really observe the difference in levels of ripeness. Observe the color and firmness. If they pull off with little to no effort, they are close to perfect.
I tend to like my raspberries a little more ripe than blueberries but I get really excited for both. Try Holmberg's in Gales Ferry, though there are certainly other great spots to pick.
I tend to like my raspberries a little more ripe than blueberries but I get really excited for both. Try Holmberg's in Gales Ferry, though there are certainly other great spots to pick.
Right now you can find PYO Strawberries at Scott's in East Lyme. Next up will be raspberries at the end of June, followed by blueberries in early July.
Right now you can find PYO Strawberries at Scott's in East Lyme. Next up will be raspberries at the end of June, followed by blueberries in early July.
My personal recommendations:
My personal recommendations:
Strawberries - Sprinkled with sugar, topped with sweetened whipped cream
Strawberries - Sprinkled with sugar, topped with sweetened whipped cream
Raspberries - Ladled with a little heavy cream. Very Simple.
Raspberries - Ladled with a little heavy cream. Very Simple.
Blueberries - Next to yogurt with a little drizzle of honey. Or by the handful.
Blueberries - Next to yogurt with a little drizzle of honey. Or by the handful.
Clam Shack
Clam Shack
The aroma that wafts over you as you get closer to a real summer season clam shack or similar restaurant is really only 25% seafood and 75% fried food. In either case you have your choice of some delicious and cravable options. You can choose of course from clam strips, whole bellies, fritters, and even lobster rolls. For those who aren't so into seafood, order some fries or chicken fingers. But please, eat some fried food and feel happy about it.
The aroma that wafts over you as you get closer to a real summer season clam shack or similar restaurant is really only 25% seafood and 75% fried food. In either case you have your choice of some delicious and cravable options. You can choose of course from clam strips, whole bellies, fritters, and even lobster rolls. For those who aren't so into seafood, order some fries or chicken fingers. But please, eat some fried food and feel happy about it.
Local choices include Fred's Shanty, Sea Swirl, Dad's in Niantic, Captain Scott's and many, many others.
Local choices include Fred's Shanty, Sea Swirl, Dad's in Niantic, Captain Scott's and many, many others.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the Cob
It is imperative that you buy fresh picked corn and cook it that night. The natural sugars will still be present and you will notice the difference, trust me. If you boil it, 10 minutes should do it. If you are grilling it, it will take a little longer.
It is imperative that you buy fresh picked corn and cook it that night. The natural sugars will still be present and you will notice the difference, trust me. If you boil it, 10 minutes should do it. If you are grilling it, it will take a little longer.
Eat it with butter, or make it Mexican street corn style. Once it comes into season eat it often and at every meal. The season doesn't last long.
Eat it with butter, or make it Mexican street corn style. Once it comes into season eat it often and at every meal. The season doesn't last long.
Frozen Slushie
Frozen Slushie
A frozen treat, whether it be an Italian ice or a slushie can turn a day that otherwise feels like it may never end into a relaxing escape (that is if you don't get an excruciating headache). Growing up, the most unique of these treats was Del's. I used to get it on the side of the road from a truck on my way to Misquamicut beach. The little diced pieces of lemon were so fun!
A frozen treat, whether it be an Italian ice or a slushie can turn a day that otherwise feels like it may never end into a relaxing escape (that is if you don't get an excruciating headache). Growing up, the most unique of these treats was Del's. I used to get it on the side of the road from a truck on my way to Misquamicut beach. The little diced pieces of lemon were so fun!
Grilled Food
Grilled Food
It doesn't matter if you are cooking dinner out on your back deck, in someone's backyard for a block party, at a picnic table at Harkness State Park, or at the beach, there is nothing that quite compares to the smoky flavor that you get off the grill. Whether you use charcoal or gas, take the time to eat outside, with friends.
It doesn't matter if you are cooking dinner out on your back deck, in someone's backyard for a block party, at a picnic table at Harkness State Park, or at the beach, there is nothing that quite compares to the smoky flavor that you get off the grill. Whether you use charcoal or gas, take the time to eat outside, with friends.
Vegetarians need not be excluded here. Grilled zucchini, peppers, or eggplant are all worthy options, especially with a little smear of pesto.
Vegetarians need not be excluded here. Grilled zucchini, peppers, or eggplant are all worthy options, especially with a little smear of pesto.
Question: Can you grill corn on the cob and have it count for both categories.
Question: Can you grill corn on the cob and have it count for both categories.
Answer: No, each entry must be separate. Anyways, if you are grilling corn on the cob chances are you aren't turning the grill off afterwards.
Answer: No, each entry must be separate. Anyways, if you are grilling corn on the cob chances are you aren't turning the grill off afterwards.
S'mores
S'mores
Do yourself a favor.
Do yourself a favor.
- Make sure that the graham crackers are not stale (or slightly soft which can happen if the package has been opened and it is humid out).
- Get a good melting chocolate. Hershey's is great.
- Chose your desired level of burn on the marshmallow and stick to it. Some people like it a beautiful golden and they really take their time, and have a whole method. Others like to stick it right in the fire and burn it... blowing it out after it gets a good char. Either way, you do you.
You don't have to do these over a fire but that is certainly the best.
You don't have to do these over a fire but that is certainly the best.
Fair Food
Fair Food
The Big E, the pinnacle of fair food does not take place until after summer is over so you will have to look for carnivals in town or other events throughout the summer. Sailfest is back on! You should be able to find some good fried oreos somewhere. Funnel cakes or fried dough also is delicious. I am curious to see what you eat in this category.
The Big E, the pinnacle of fair food does not take place until after summer is over so you will have to look for carnivals in town or other events throughout the summer. Sailfest is back on! You should be able to find some good fried oreos somewhere. Funnel cakes or fried dough also is delicious. I am curious to see what you eat in this category.
Ice Cream
Ice Cream
It is not necessary that you eat the ice cream as a cone but you are really missing out if you don't. Part of the fun is racing the drip, drip, drip, and finishing it before it becomes a big mess. Try a new flavor this summer. There are so many places to go for ice cream that this one should be easy. It doesn't count if you buy a quart and eat it at home.
It is not necessary that you eat the ice cream as a cone but you are really missing out if you don't. Part of the fun is racing the drip, drip, drip, and finishing it before it becomes a big mess. Try a new flavor this summer. There are so many places to go for ice cream that this one should be easy. It doesn't count if you buy a quart and eat it at home.
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