Farewell Summer

The autumn in Lyons has been glorious and long with cottonwoods, maples, grasses and brush putting on a colorful show before their leaves fall. As the season slowly turns toward winter I remember with sadness and gratitude the wonderful summer produce from Zweck’s and the Farmer’s Market.

 Here’s a conglomeration of dishes, mainly salads, that I prepared for artists over the last few months.

Connie and Tom Zweck grew these gorgeous poblanos. I bought some to roast and freeze and kept some to make these stuffed peppers. Filled with only-in-summer fresh corn. What a treat. The filling is simply sauteed onions, some zucchini bits, cheddar and corn. Baked at 350° until tender and bubbly. Served with those yummy garden tomatoes and a cabbage slaw.

Rancho Gordo garbanzos marinated with lemon zest and juice, garlic and olive oil. Garden tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Garnished with grilled fresh figs, a rare treat.

I have been buying lightly smoked salmon in a tin from Trader Joe’s. A nice addition to a salad made with lettuces, garden tomatoes, cukes, and green beans from Zweck’s and the irresistible Colorado peach. I figure we ate about 60 pounds of peaches this summer. (I did make peach salsa with some of them.)

We are about to leave for The Print Fair in New York City. A week of greeting friends, clients and artists and selling prints at this annual exhibition. We will be showing new work from the last year as well as several favorite prints from past years. I look forward to eating in restaurants and choosing meals someone else prepares.  I hope to be re-inspired in my kitchen after this culinary vacation and by the fall abundance of squash, apples, and root veggies.