Greetings, dear readers! The blog is coming to you from the warm, easy, lazy days of July. The days are hot and the nights afford the simple pleasure of enjoying cool breeze on the porch with the dogs. I know that there are a world of things going on “out there”, in the greater world – and I’m happy to enjoy my little peaceable place.

Since signing on to the CSA at my local farmers market, my favorite summer game had been what I call “Market Tetris”  – I look at what the basket holds for the week, what I have in the pantry and then figure out the meals that can use it all, fitting my fresh goodies in and around what else I have, so that it all goes together. This also involves nibbling on the fresh produce to find out how strong the scallions are (VERY!) and what the basil tastes like (minty!) And trying to stare down a large yellow flying saucer of a pattypan squash… Then my kitchen assistant (Google – ha!) and I go to work.

Did you know you can roast spring onions in a hot oven with olive oil and a little salt and pepper and come out with a side dish so tasty you’re tempted to eat it right out of the pan? And that minty basil is wonderful in a quinoa salad with slices of market cucumbers and sweet young cabbage, dressed with a little rice vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lime? The pattypan is headed for a pan tonight.

Can’t wait to see what treasures are revealed in the next basket! Wishing you weekly treasures to enjoy.

Stay tuned for more on the Here’s a Quarter blog next week! As always, your thoughts and comments are always welcome – they are moderated (I know – adulting again), so they may take a little while to appear, but I read them all and appreciate that you were here. Thank you!

My new story collection is now available: Dog Days . I’d love to hear your thoughts if you check it out!