In the Kitchen: Having Some Fun With Summer Produce

My Dad was a simple man.  He enjoyed simple things.  He was child during the second World War, and his parents were children during WWI.  They married during before the Great Depression, and I'm sure that colored some of the things he enjoyed. He told incredible stories of rationing, of being sent down the street to the local bar to bring back a bucket of beer (apparently lots was expected to slosh over the sides on the return trip- hence an era of early drinkers) and of camping in the woods with his buddies.  They'd all swipe a big potato from their mom's potato bin and throw them in the fire before they went fishing.  If they caught fish, they cooked and ate them right there and the potatoes were breakfast.  If they didn't catch anything, the potatoes were dinner and they headed home before breakfast.

My Dad enjoyed simple things like a tomato sandwich, or a cucumber sandwich.  We grew them in a garden in our backyard, just like he did when he was a kid.  Dad shaved off his beard and mustache every spring so he could eat fresh corn on the cob, dripping with melted butter and grilled to perfection.

So with all the gardens blooming and produce stands popping up all over out here, I'm reminded of my Dad, and enjoying some of his favorites in place of the sophisticated, processed fare we normally see.

But, I've never been one to let well enough alone, either, so here's a touch of something I found that adds a bit of fun to a veggie sandwich.

Herbed Mayonnaise

1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

1 garlic clove, smashed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

3/4 cup mayonnaise

preparation

Pulse basil, garlic, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until finely chopped. Add mayonnaise and blend until smooth. Chill, covered, 1 hour (for flavors to develop).

OR

1TBSP minced fresh cilantro

1TBSP minced fresh parsley

1/4 tsp white pepper

3/4 cup mayonnaise

Blend together cilantro, parsley and white pepper  with mayonnaise. Chill, covered, 1 hour (for flavors to develop).

Enjoyed both of these on tomato, cucumber and zucchini sandwiches this week.  Try them out!