August always surprises me. Just as summer gets going, bam! Here it is. The last month of the season. I have to keep reminding myself how much I love September and October, and how incredible the farmer’s markets will be from now until mid fall. Right now they are bulging with peaches, nectarines, corn, tomatoes, greens, pole beans, and herbs. Soon they will have squash, even more greens, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, melons, apples, pears, and Brussels sprouts. Good markets offer fresh eggs, handmade cheeses, preserves, and pickles. Some sell free-range chickens, lamb, pork and beef. You can get lost wandering through one — and end up buying far more than you actually need! This past weekend I couldn’t resist the green and white pole beans piled high in baskets. After topping and tailing them (trimming them), I sautéed them in a little
chicken stock and then seasoned them with some chopped thyme, butter, and salt and pepper. Easy and delicious — and they disappeared very quickly at the dinner table.
