Fresh Produce & Face Painting!

While Halal Pastures Farm was setting up last Sunday, Amelle held out a bunch of unbelievably fragrant Mexican mint and then gave me a crisp cucumber to snack on. I immediately told her I would have to include both of them in a recipe! These summer staples are a dream team in everything from a refreshing agua fresca to a spicy salad with scallions and crushed peanuts.

For an easy beach day lunch that you can turn to all summer long, try Mead Orchards' blueberry bourbon jam in this turkey sandwich with Titusville Farm's arugula. You can substitute chicken from Letterbox or R&M Farm or even eggs for a vegetarian option. Between pieces of Bien Cuit's soft and airy ciabatta, there's no better flavor combination!

And speaking of sandwiches, we hope you enjoyed Mambo Italiano's Caprese made with creamy, house-made mozzarella. They'll be back next week when I plan to try their vegan roasted eggplant sandwich with white bean purée.

A Bitchin' Babka is the perfect sweet treat whenever the mood strikes! You can also keep it simple but flavorful by letting Caradonna Farms' summery strawberries shine in this buttermilk strawberry shortcake.

If you plan on dusting off your grill this weekend, do yourself a favor and hit up Channery Hill Farm. They will be bringing their farm-to-table condiments like garlic scape relish and jalapeno pumpkin ketchup, all made with fresh ingredients from their Callicoon Center farm. Their rhubarb vinaigrette is tartly delicious and perfect for dousing your market strawberries to coax out their inner sweetness.

Peter Calo is our musician this week, and he'll set a perfect tone for a gorgeous Sunday outside. Feel free to borrow a picnic blanket from the welcome table and lounge on the grass to his tunes! Our community table this week is Abbott House, which will have a face painting table staffed by au pairs who are hosted by local Irvington families through the Cultural Care Au Pair program. It's a great way to build community and enjoy cultural exchange!