A Guide to Savoring Summer Produce

09_cherries_sally.JPG

Photo by Sally Schneider


Cherries are a favorite summer fruit, but they can be a challenge to turn into a dessert. This recipe takes the work out of enjoying cherry season by letting you keep the pits, stems, and leaves on the fruit. View recipe here .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

01 zucc Basket_slideshow.jpg

Photo Aglaia Kremezi


There are many ways to enjoy the zucchini that starts appearing at the farmers' market in the middle of the summer. Try it batter-fried, in meatballs, or in a pie. View recipes here .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

Tomato Season

produce_tomatoes_slide.jpg

Photo by Manjith Kainickara/FlickrCC


Nothing brings to mind the taste of summer like fresh tomatoes. Click through the next few slides for recipes featuring everyone's favorite summer fruit.


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

produce_tomatobruschetta_cut.jpg

Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures


One of the easiest and most delicious ways to use fresh tomatoes is in classic Italian bruschetta . This dish is also ripe for improvising: see this version using slow-roasted cherry tomatoes or this tomato-soaked Spanish variation .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

produce_relish_cut.jpg

Photo by Regina Charboneau


Ever wish you could taste the summery goodness of fresh tomatoes all year long? Try freezing this relish recipe to preserve summer in a bottle. View recipe here .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

produce_gazpacho_slide.JPG

Photo by Maggie Schmitt

Gazpacho is the ideal way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes. This chilled soup combines cucumber, peppers, and onions with tomatoes to create a refreshing treat. View recipe here .

Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

produce_bruschetta_slide.jpg

Photo by Maggie Schmitt

If it's not quite tomato season where you are, you can still enjoy bruschetta; just try this variation, which uses peas, garlic, and mint instead of tomatoes. Learn how here .

Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

appetizers_shrimp_cut.jpg

Photo by benjieordonez/FlickrCC


Garlic is at its best in the summer--take advantage by making this shrimp dish, which can be either an appetizer or a main course. View recipe here .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.

produce_corn_slide.jpg

Photo by stevelyon/FlickrCC


Inspired by a street food offering in Sayulita, Mexico, this recipe works well even with less-than-perfect corn. View recipes here .


Everything you need to be sure you're



from cherries to corn to tomatoes.