The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is for everyone, and through a variety of state and federally-funded programs, the market makes it possible for everyone to benefit from healthy foods from local farms.

Those who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can purchase $1 and $5 tokens with their EBT card. With every $2 purchased, they’ll also receive $2 in FreshConnect coupons. While the coupons expire on December 31, the tokens never do. Shoppers not only double their money but also can budget their SNAP benefits around seasonal foods. 

Meat, fish, baked goods, dairy, fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, and hand-crafted artisanal foods can all be purchased with EBT tokens and FreshConnect coupons. 

While vendors cannot give change in the form of cash, they can and will complete the balance of the purchase with additional items.

In the summer months, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market also accepts Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons. These $5 coupons give shoppers over the age of 60 with limited income an opportunity to buy local, fresh produce.

The Saratoga Office for the Aging will distribute FMNP coupons to eligible seniors at the market on the following dates: Saturdays, July 8 and August 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, July 19 and August 16, from 3 to 5 p.m., and at the Clifton Park Farmers’ Market on Mondays, July 24 and August 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. 

The market also hosts the food-distributor Comfort Food Community every other Saturday during the summer. As part of a partnership with healthcare provider CDPHP, Comfort Food Community distributes $5 coupons to CDPHP members that can be spent at the market on most foods. This coupon is for certain CDPHP members who qualify for the produce prescription program. It is not open to all members. 

In addition, market vendors share their bounty with the Franklin Community Center and Comfort Food Community food pantries. In the final minutes of each market, market staff, interns, and volunteers collect donations from vendors. The vendors give about $200-$500 a week, according to Himanee Gupta of Squash Villa Farm, who helps facilitate the donation collections. 

“As a farmer, I want to help feed my entire community,” says Gupta. “I appreciate how the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, FreshConnect coupons, and other initiatives help make that possible by allowing many customers to stretch their dollars further.” 

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.  

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

Several summers ago, Paula and I had the opportunity to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming where we attended Brad and Julia’s beautiful wedding. At the base of the Grand Teton mountains is the beautiful Teton Village within Jackson Hole. We stayed at the Alpenhof Lodge that reflects the European style Switzerland feel of the village. Within the lodge includes an Alps- inspired cuisine restaurant that served various types of fondue offerings. The menu consisted of Gruyère and Emmenthler cheeses blended with white wine, completed with kirschwasser, served with bread and apples. Or you could choose the traditional Swiss Cheese, Gruyère, Vacherin, Fribougeois blended with white wine and finished with Kirschwasser and served with bread and apples. Is your mouth watering yet? The blend of the various cheese selection was incredible. 

So, what is Fondue? Fondue is a common dish shared at the table heated over a small burner. Forks are used to dip bits of food (most often bread or staple foods such as meats, vegetables or fruit) into either delectable, melted cheese, oil, broth or chocolate (for dessert). This simple traditional meal allows guests to prepare their own feast and enjoy conversation and fun at the same time. While cheese fondue is the most widely known, meat and chocolate fondue are just as traditional, making a fun evening with friends and family unique and memorable.

During the summer, we are always looking at what to serve our traveling guests that come to the area to visit. If you are looking for something unique to serve as you entertain, consider serving fresh fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, melon, or bananas with a chocolate fondue. Or serve a cheese fondue. Perhaps have a Fondue Happy Hour. Serve your favorite fondue with a glass of wine. You can also do a meat fondue with a base of either white or red wine. Maybe even bring it camping with you! Combine BBQ and fondue to offer an alternative this summer. 

At Compliments to the Chef, we carry cast iron fondues by the Swissmar company. The cast iron fondue sets offer the utmost in versatility. In addition to their décor savvy color pallet, they are ideal for meat, cheese AND chocolate fondue. Cast iron pots provide even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking at both high and low temperatures – without hot spots. Another cool way to enjoy melted cheese is through the use of a raclette grill. A raclette grill is a tabletop appliance used to melt individual portions of cheese to enjoy with meat, bread, and vegetables. 

So, let’s get dipping this summer. Creating a cheesy fondue is perfect for summer grilling. Serve with grilled vegetables or slices of grilled baguette. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to get the items you need to entertain this summer. Back to Jackson Hole Wyoming. We would recommend making a trip out there. We spent time in Yellowstone National Park and experienced the grandeur of the Teton mountains. Simply breathtaking.

Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen,”

Take Care, John & Paula

For many, eighty-degree weather and the end of the school year are hallmarks of summer. We plan for gatherings with family and friends, schedule vacations, and fill the calendar with activities. Ultimately, summertime hits full speed once the Fourth of July is upon us.

But sometimes, the simplest things make summer most memorable—like fresh flowers on the table, snacking on sun-ripened berries, or the smell of dinner on the grill. Time slows as we absorb natural flavors, colors, and scents straight from the earth.

Summer cooking doesn’t need to be complicated—a vinaigrette of vinegar and olive oil can dress thinly-sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, and crisp greens. Snap peas and tender yellow squash may be sauteed lightly with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, maintaining their taste and crisp texture. Beets and potatoes may be boiled until soft, then sauteed with onions. Add fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Local meats and poultry also call for a simple preparation, as the meat’s flavor lies in its quality. For grilling cuts of beef, pork, and goat, bring the meat to ambient temperature (let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes), rub it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then grill. Cook meats to the proper temperature and try not to rely on time. Once cooked, cover tightly with aluminum foil and let rest for approximately five minutes. Chicken gets special treatment with a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a hefty squeeze of citrus. Let it soak in the marinade for 30 minutes to 8 hours before grilling.

When entertaining or picnicking, a loaf of artisan bread paired with local cheeses can quickly satisfy a group. Add pickles, honeycomb, jam, chocolate, crackers, or fresh fruit for an array of delectable flavors that complement one another and make for a sweet and savory summertime meal.

Beverages are always necessary for backyard barbeques or just enjoying time in your backyard. Limoncello, whiskey iced tea, and other spirits make cocktail hour easy. Or maybe Junboucha or lavender lemonade is best to quench your thirst. 

Visiting the summer farmers’ markets reminds you of the bounty that comes from this region. We realign with nature and slow down to enjoy the pace—smelling flowers and savoring flavors, and it’s all available here. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

This 4th of July weekend celebration will include attending fireworks, parades, barbeques, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and family gatherings.  The Fourth of July is more than just a celebration of summertime — it’s a time to celebrate our freedom and how far we have come. Many families will be hosting or attending an outside event or taking advantage of the long weekend activities. 

Fireworks have always been one of my favorite parts of celebrating our national holiday. Sitting in a chair and watching the spectacular color displayed is so exciting to me.  As I reminisce about my childhood, there is one particular 4th of July that standouts. I love to tell my decades old story of when my two other brothers and our neighborhood buddies had acquired some fire crackers to add to our evening fun. After the firework show had ended at our local park, we still had the need to entertain ourselves and sustain the celebration. My parents were not aware that a group of us “spirited” boys still had unused fireworks in our possession.  Our friends provided the fireworks and my brothers and I were given the task of getting a pan to cover the fire crackers with.  I gave this “heroic” opportunity to my youngest brother instructing on spy-like maneuvers to quietly get the pan past my mother.  Looking back, I am not sure how we actually were able to pull it off getting it past her. We found a quiet corner in our yard to set up.  Anxiously, we lit several fire crackers and put a pan on top of them.  Well, that pan shot so high in the sky, it landed in my father’s favorite red maple tree and stayed there until the following winter.  One winter afternoon my father was looking out the kitchen window wondering what was lodged in his tree.  Getting the pan down was an event in itself.  However, cleaning it was another.  In an attempt to teach the three of us adorable boys a lesson, we were ordered to get the pan back to its “original” shape and color. We never did get that pan back to its normal shape!!

Outdoor gatherings were always something I looked forward to. Especially, when looking at the vast number of dishes and desserts that will be spread out. Whether it is a picnic gathering, or a simple picnic at the park, no feast would be complete without a sweet treat at the end. A simple way to satisfy the sweet tooth, is with a fruit-ladened tart. It is a wonderful treat to add with wine or even a cup of tea. Fresh fruit tarts are a beautiful way to present a dessert. The secret lies in the pan that the tart is baked in. A tart pan has low, fluted sides with a removable bottom. The design of the pan allows for a better conduction of heat making a more uniform baked crust.  The removable bottom enables you to remove the finished product by easily placing your hand beneath the bottom, and letting the outer ring fall. Tart pans come in a number of sizes to suite whatever you are making. They are also known as quiche pans. 

Ahhh…I love summer. Being outdoors and enjoying fun times with family and friends (safely) creates those memories that last a lifetime. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to pick up the tools you need to make your weekend an enjoyable one!  Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Happy Fourth of July.

Take Care, John & Paula

Hello  my Foodie Friends!

We believe cooking as a family is important. When it comes to food, we each have family traditions that may have either been passed down from generation to generation, or have been recently developed as your own family tradition. Preparing old family recipes is a great way to pass along stories, smells, and flavors of the past to your next generation of family chefs. Traditions may include having a family member prepare a meal once a week or try out an old signature dish that was part of your own growing up. Give each family member a sense of involvement while discovering a new favorite dish to add to your family cookbook. 

Depending on how old your children are (young or adult), you can teach cooking skills, talk about the mathematics of measuring (yes, even fractions!), discuss where different foods come from and what makes some foods more nutritious than others, and share family

stories and traditions that center around the foods you’re making. The more chances that your family has to experience foods in different ways, the more familiar and inviting those foods will seem. And, when family members help make the food … by choosing the recipe, going along to the grocery store, or lending a hand with the cooking … they feel more personally invested, and they’re more likely to sample the food (and like it!). Making food can provide plenty of reasons to gather your family together with you in the kitchen, and get them cooking!

One of our favorite items to use when it comes to any recipe and is important in food prep is a wooden cutting board. This item is not only useful in your own home, but is a beautiful gift to give.

At Compliments to the Chef, we love wood cutting boards! Good hard woods have been used for centuries to cut food or butcher meat on. Early man just cut down any old tree to butcher and cut meat on but quickly realized that soft woods got people sick. A good cutting board properly maintained can last a lifetime, and they are safer than plastic which if it isn’t sanitized or left wet can actually harbor bacteria. Some of the reasons for this are:

1. Wood is water-absorbent, so it dries faster, which means shorter bacterial survival.

2. Wood contains natural antibiotic agents that retard bacterial growth.

We carry beautiful, handcrafted wooden cutting boards made by Catskill Craftsmen, and Saratoga Springs Artisan Adam Cielinski. Choosing an Adam Cielinski wood cutting board can make a great “Saratoga” gift to bring to family or friends or it can be one for your own home. Bring one as a house warming or thank you gift, or choose from one that may reflect a special love or hobby of a person you are buying for. They are simply beautiful and functional. 

Adam’s boards are part of Saratoga Springs Art History. They are each different and no two exactly the same. He also makes large cutting blocks that are great for larger items. The good news is they are reasonably priced too! Wood cutting boards have been in my family for generations and we hand them down. I learned as a child to chop and prep on a wood cutting board. Stop in and pick up a piece of Saratoga History and have something that you can hand down in your family. A little advice on their care:

1. Dry the board immediately after (hand) washing, and 

2. Once a month, rub the board with oil, to keep it water-repellent and warp-free. Apply a coat of warm food-safe mineral oil, let soak in, and then wipe off the excess. Scratches can be sanded out then re-oiled.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. Keep your family together in the kitchen and involved with the prep and creation of your meals. Family recipes are a way of keeping our ancestry alive, as well as a part of ourselves. Traditions help bond us to those we love. Cooking together creates closer bonds and helps build lifelong memories. You can also use the time to listen, share and talk as a family. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Three years ago, Haley Gerarde would visit The Smoothie Shoppe each Saturday at the Spa City and Saratoga Farmers’ Markets. She had loved the vibe that surrounded the stand and  the flexibility it provided the family that owned it. She had also dreamed of following in the footsteps of her parents and becoming an entrepreneur. But she was raising two children and working part-time jobs on and of while doing so. There wasn’t much time (or energy!) left to do more than dream.

Dreams, however, have a funny way of coming true. Last year, Gerarde heard that The Smoothie Shoppe owners were looking for a buyer. With the encouragement of her husband, She jumped at the chance. Now, she makes smoothies at the farmers’ markets as the owner of Jenny Jo’s Smoothie Bar, LLC.

“It honestly fell into my lap,” Gerarde says. “And I’m so glad I took the leap.”

Her stall sits near the same spot at the Spa City and Saratoga farmers’ markets as The Smoothie Shoppe had in years prior. Although she has rebranded, the recipes remain the same, she notes, “it’s hard to want to fix something that’s not broken.”

But there are some special touches. One is the business name Jenny Jo’s. It’s in honor of Gerarde’s daughters, Genevieve and Josephine. They’re the main reason why she wanted to take the business. “I want to show them an example of hard work paying off, and give them a job opportunity in their future if they decide to take over” explains Gerarde. 

Jenny Jo’s Smoothie Bar offers a variety of flavorful smoothies made with wholesome ingredients. The all-fruit smoothies have no added sugar and are dairy and gluten-free. Each smoothie includes a superfood (goji berries, chia seeds, or fresh ginger) to boost health benefits, and Jenny Jo’s also uses local ingredients when possible.

Customers can select from a menu including smoothie options like Righteous Red, Purple Power, Mean Green Machine, and Rhymes with Orange. Jenny Jo’s also offers blended shakes made with an almond milk base, like Mochaspresso and Muscle Monkey with peanut butter. New this summer, Jenny Jo’s is freezing smoothies and bringing popsicles!

Gerarde admits there’s much to learn about running a business. Still, she enjoys the early morning vibe of setting up for the market and the ability to trade smoothies for produce and other food items sold by other vendors. “Each market has amazing options for a good lunch when we have the time”, she adds.  

In addition to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Gerarde offers her smoothies at popup Zumba events, employee appreciation days, food truck events in Glens Falls, and area farmers’ markets.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

I know it’s a cliché’ but time does go by so quickly. Today is our daughter Aubrey’s 30th birthday. It just seems like yesterday we were sitting at the Saratoga Race Track with her sitting on her foldable Barbie chair with a Saratoga umbrella watching the spectacular racing horses walking by.  We are blessed to have our daughter serving our community as a doctor of Physical Therapy. To this day, she insists that my wife make her an ice cream cake as part of her birthday celebration. My wife has developed various creations over the years. I have to admit, I do not mind having ice cream cake as our special birthday dessert. I love ice cream as much as I did when I was a kid. Many of us love ice cream.  We crave for it during hot summer days, even during the cold northeast winters. It is a wonderful treat to have as we watch movies like “Sleepless in Seattle”, or “When Harry met Sally”. Can you tell I am a fan of Meg Ryan! Ice cream is a sweet treat for all ages. It has been proven that whether you are young or old, you will never outgrow your love for Ice cream. So, why do we love ice cream so much? Here are some thoughts:

1. There are so many flavors to choose from. Ice creams are famous because of their flavors. 

2. Having a bad day at work or in school? Got dumped or got your heart broken? Eating ice cream helps lighten up one’s mood.

3. It is delicious and refreshing and makes you want more. 

4. What’s for dessert? Ice cream is always a sure way to satisfy those dessert yearnings. 

5. Ice cream reminds me of when I was a kid screaming for ice cream!  “I scream, you scream, we scream for Ice Cream!”

One culinary item that my wife relies upon when making her ice cream cake is a spring form pan. Spring form pans are a kitchen essential for producing flawlessly smooth cheesecakes, perfectly crusted tarts, or intricate ice cream cakes without damage to their tops, bottoms, or sides. Meant to eliminate the risks associated with removing cakes from traditional pans, removing your product from the pan is the final step before placing your delicate treats on display, serving to your family or guests, or packaging them to go.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. We have an assortment of spring form pans and accessories to assist with adding that special dessert to your menu. 

To our daughter Aubrey: You give us a thousand reasons to smile every day. We are so proud of the woman you are. Happy Birthday to you, our beautiful daughter! 

May love and laughter

Light your days

And warm your heart and home;

May good and faithful friends be yours

Wherever you may roam;

May peace and plenty bless your world

With joy that long endures;

May all life’s passing seasons

Bring the best to you and yours! 

~ Traditional Irish Blessing

Wishing all of our Foodie Dad’s a beautiful Father’s Day weekend. Remember my Food Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.  Take care; John and Paula. 

Although I cannot share Paula’s recipe for her ice cream cake, I have included another fantastic ice cream cake recipe to make.

Take Care, John & Paula

As Saratoga-area children anticipate their last day of school, the first question on many parents’ minds is, “What are we going to do all summer?” The Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Power of Produce Club offers children and families a free and easy answer to that question. 

Power of Produce Club (also known as POP Club) is a 12-week program that begins next Wednesday, June 21, and runs through the first week of September. It takes place each Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at the farmers’ market and gives both children and their parents a chance to learn about local foods and farming hands-on. 

Each time participants visit POP Club at the Wednesday market, they will receive a $2 POP coin that kids can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmer. The coins are geared toward children between the ages of 5 and 12. In addition, children will receive a stamp on a POP passport. After receiving four stamps, children will be eligible for a prize.

The project aims to help children see how food and farming are intrinsically connected to strengthening community ties. By buying produce from our vendors, children form what might turn into lifelong relationships with local farmers. At the same time, children gain basic money skills and participate in weekly activities that offer a sense of how to enjoy local produce when it is at its finest.

Power of Produce Club is made possible by support from The Christopher Dailey Foundation. In addition, educational activities are being organized by numerous community partners like The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, Little Wings Farm School, Saratoga Springs Public Library, and more.

The first event occurs next Wednesday, June 21, with a 45-min family-friendly opera of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant presented by Opera Saratoga. Free activities will be provided, and market interns will serve fruit and yogurt cones (with dairy-free & gluten-free options). Children get the first stamp in their POP Passport, a $2 POP coin, and a free apron from SNAP-Ed NY. 

POP Club’s annual End of School Celebration will be held the following Wednesday, June 28, with a concert by Jack & Steve Zucchini sponsored by Stewart’s Shops! There will be free, fun activities and food tastings hosted by the Saratoga Springs Public Library, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Saratoga Farmers’ Market interns.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.

Hello my Foodie Friends!   

The sounds of cooking can be kitchen music to our ears with the sounds of beeps, pans, clinging, clanging, and thuds in your kitchen.  Having the right cookware is important to the entire culinary experience. As we gear up for Father’s Day, this may be an item to consider for the person who has everything. 

This brings me back to the time my father and his friends went on their yearly hunting trip to Vermont. I have shared this story before, yet I love telling it, especially in honor of all our foodie Dad’s.  Every year four dads got together for a week of deer hunting. After about four years in a row of not bringing back a deer, my mom got wise and had a meeting with the other moms. They gave each dad a condition they had to fulfill if they wanted to go. They were required to bring all their children over the age of five. The negotiations went on for months and my Dad, who was the ring leader, gave in. Therefore, there were some very excited little boys and girls who got to go with their Dad on a weekend long vacation. Dad’s cookware at the “Cabin” was not the best and the first night the dads had great time laughing and enjoying their “refreshments” (as they referred to them) while we ran around endlessly.  It started getting dark and I asked my dad when we were going to eat?  He told me to go ahead and cook something up.  I replied: “Dad, I’m seven”.  There was literally no food.  My Uncle Cass found some cans of beans and first looked at the other dads then to all ten of us kids and with a very loud and enthusiastic voice said: “Hey kids, how about some BEANS!”  Then all the dads started yelling, “beans, beans beans”, and then the kids started yelling “beans, beans, beans!” Cass started pouring six cans of beans into a wooden handled sauté pan while singing made up songs that we all joined in on. He kept stirring and singing while we assembled at the table peacefully.  I must admit he had me more excited to eat a plate of beans than I have ever been for a meal. “Ok”, he said “here it is kids” and we cheered. As he turned around the wooded handle came loose and the pan spun around multiple times and the beans went flying. Hot beans hit like little bean pellets bouncing off every child at the table.  No one was hurt because all of us were laughing so hard we were couldn’t talk.  Cass thought he killed us. A good plan would have prevented this disaster. However, it is to this day one of all our favorite times with our dads.  Dad had a tense moment explaining to mom why her three boys had red dots on their foreheads.  

So many of our customers come in and state that they want good cookware. They are tired of going through generations of cookware that does not last or is not providing them with the heat conduction or distribution they are looking for in cooking.  Good pans are worth their price because they manage heat better. Being a “good conductor” and “heavy gauge” are the key features of good cookware. 

Here’s how these characteristics affect cooking. You get responsive heat. Good heat conductors, such as copper and aluminum, are responsive to temperature changes. They’ll do what the heat source tells them to do—heat up, cool down—almost instantly. You get fast heat flow. Heat flows more easily through a good heat conductor, assuring a quick equalizing of temperature on the cooking surface. You get even heat diffusion. A thicker pan has more distance between the cooking surface and the heat source. By the time the heat flows to the cooking surface, it will have spread out evenly, because heat diffuses as it flows. You get more heat. Mass holds heat (heat is vibrating mass, so the more mass there is to vibrate, the more heat there will be). The more pan there is to heat, the more heat the pan can hold, so there’s more constant heat for better browning, faster reducing, and hotter frying.

Our staple products for cookware include; Hestan, Viking, LeCreuset, and Lodge cookware. Buying good cookware could be a wonderful gift to give your culinary enthusiast. Stop by Compliments to the Chef – your neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. We have a large assortment of cookware. Make sure you have the best cookware to do the job right. Make music in your kitchen with the sounds of stirring, pots and pans clanking. Play some music while you cook. Dance and embrace those who make those creative dishes that say “I love you”. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take Care, 

John & Paula

Who’s ready for strawberries? How about the season’s first cool, fresh cucumbers? Crisp greens? Flavorful fennel? Every day, local farms harvest the freshest flavors of spring. So stroll through the pavilions of High Rock Park and fill your market basket because the culinary possibilities are endless!

The crisp sweetness of spring fruit and vegetables can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, along with grass-fed beef, pork chops, farm-raised chicken, or a hearty mushroom main. And the best part of spring cooking is the simplicity. Minimal effort is required to make flavors sing; the bulk is prepping the fruit and vegetables and putting them into a bowl.

In creating a balanced spring salad, tasting is required to ensure the flavors are balanced with an acid, like tangy citrus or vinegar, and then seasoned with salt and pepper taste. Sweetness is optional; if desired, honey and maple syrup are excellent options. However, dressings can be as simple as local Greek yogurt or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Fresh herbs are ideal in uncooked foods; their flavors brighten and elevate fruits and vegetable combinations in spring salads. Parsley, chives, basil, and dill can often be used interchangeably. Mint lends a distinctive flavor depending on the salad.

Now let’s talk about spring’s fruit and vegetable stars available at the Wednesday and Saturday markets – winning combinations for salads. Strawberries, greens (from spinach to bok choy to lettuce mix), beets, radishes, fennel, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, and even the last of spring’s asparagus.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.