Here at Allrecipes HQ in Seattle, we love the fantastic and delicious recipes you contribute to the site. Since produce is at its peak and we wanted an excuse to venture out of office, we started a new blog focused on seasonal cooking inspired by lunchtime excursions to Pike Place Market. Look for our interpretations of the recipes we tried on the site. Most of our employees are just like you; excited about food and looking for something quick, easy, and tasty. Feel free to comment and share what you love most about cooking with seasonal produce. Our first blog comes from the social media team:
One of the best things about having an office in downtown Seattle is the opportunity to stroll through Pike Place Market to pick up local and seasonal fruits and veggies. It’s also an easy and delicious lunch stop!
I picked up fresh, local asparagus as a side dish for dinner. If you’re ever looking for an easy side dish that’s a family pleaser, check out the Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Strawberries were also in my shopping bag. Locally grown is the key to a great strawberry. No recipe needed for this delicious snack. They lasted about 10 minutes at my desk.
-Jen, Social Media Manager at Allrecipes.com
One of my favorite things about summer is the delicious seasonal produce found at the local markets. As Jen mentioned, a perk of working at Allrecipes is being a few blocks away from Pike Place, Seattle’s famous outdoor market. During the summer months, you’ll find locals and tourists perusing the stalls, grabbing lunch, and soaking up the sunshine.
In Washington, rhubarb is one of those seasonal treats that we flock to once it hits the market. It took me a long time to warm up to the tart fruit. I’m a fan of rhubarb simple syrup in cocktails, jam mixed with yogurt for breakfast, and of course, in baked goods. I decided to make these Cinnamon-Topped Rhubarb Muffins. Muffins freeze well and are a great grab and go breakfast.
Farm-fresh greens are abundant. I picked up a bunch of arugula.
Typically, I use the peppery green in salads combined with goat or feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with an olive oil vinaigrette. It is also quite good as a pesto. Last night, I made a pesto with arugula with mint, oil, garlic, parmesan, and red wine vinegar for a quick dinner. Recently, I made an arugula pesto with lentils topped with a fried egg inspired by this blog post by my friend Ashley.
Another seasonal treat is fresh, sweet Walla Walla onions. A bit smaller than a conventional onion, these have a myriad of uses. If I had a grill, like the sign suggests, I’d try Chef John’s Black Onion Relish.
What kinds of fruits and vegetables do you look forward to during the summer months? I know I’m excited for berries, cherries, and peaches.
-Lorraine, Social Media Coordinator
