This is the season of abundance. Now cherries, apricots, plums, summer squash, watermelon and tomatoes, etc.,  start showing up at the markets – and they’re not being shipped here, unripe, from Mexico, Guatemala or Chile. This is truly the hallmark of the beginning of the season of abundance. There is so much to choose from, you have to stop yourself from buying more than you can use in a week. I try to incorporate as many of these vegetables and herbs into my recipes to get full benefit from them. I also freeze some produce for the winter, when these items are not available.

Macaroni Salad

I don’t like a lot of mayonnaise in my salads, but feel free to add additional mayonnaise if ½ cup is not enough for you. Use seasonal vegetables in the salad whenever possible.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1/2 onion finely diced
• 1/2 bell pepper finely diced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 cup spicy cherry peppers, diced or pickle relish
• 1/4 cup minced parsley

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch black pepper

Directions

Make the dressing by combining the ingredients and set aside while you cook the macaroni. Cook the pasta al dente in boiling salted water, drain and add the dressing while the pasta is warm.

Add the chopped vegetables and mix well. Add salt to taste, but I find this type of salad doesn’t need salt. The mayonnaise, pasta cooked in salted water and seasonings add enough.

Chill the salad for several hours before serving.

Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken

The marinade used for this chicken recipe makes the chicken really delicious.

Ingredients

• One 3-4 pound chicken, wing tips removed

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs ( I used oregano, basil, sage, parsley, rosemary, chives and thyme because that is what is growing in my garden.)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Combine the marinade ingredients in a small mixing bowl or measuring cup.

Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the chicken backbone; remove the backbone (Save it for broth).

Turn the chicken, breast side up, and press down firmly on the breast bone to crack and flatten it. Tuck the wings under the back.

Transfer the flattened chicken to a medium glass baking dish. Loosen the skin a little and rub the marinade under and over all the skin of the chicken.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator one hour before cooking.

Heat an outdoor grill to high with all the burners on, then, turn one or two burners to the lowest setting to create a low heat area.

Grill the chicken, skin side down over the hot side of the grill, until the skin is browned and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Turn the chicken skin side up and move to the low heat side of the grill.

Cover and grill over low heat until cooked through, about 20 – 30 minutes. Internal temperature should be around 170 F.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Internal temperature should rise to 180 F. Carve the chicken and serve.

Big Batch Basil Pesto

Pesto freezes well. I don’t add Parmesan cheese to basil pesto until I am ready to serve it.

Makes 3 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Wash basil well and drain in a colander.

In the bowl of a processor, place the garlic, salt, pepper and walnuts. Process until ground. Add the basil leaves and return the top with the spout removed.

While the machine is running slowly pour in the olive oil and process until the mixture is smooth. Pour into a refrigerator container or into freezer containers.

Drizzle a layer of olive oil on the top of the pesto to keep it from turning dark.

Green Beans and Potatoes with Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 pound potatoes,  cut into thick slices
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup Basil Pesto, recipe above
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Place the potatoes in a large steamer basket fitted over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.

Add the green beans to the potatoes in the steamer and continue to cook, covered, for another 5 minutes. Drain

Transfer the vegetables to a large serving bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the pesto, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly.

Leftover Grilled Chicken Salad Plate

4 servings

Ingredients

• Leftover grilled chicken, sliced (see recipe above)

Any combination seasonal vegetables, such as :

• Sliced tomatoes
• Cooked corn on the cob, shucked
• Red onion, sliced
• Sliced bell pepper
• Boiled potatoes
• Sliced cucumber
• Cooked green beans
• Slices of ripe cantaloupe melon
• 3 cups fresh lettuce
• Homemade Ranch Dressing, (see recipe here)

Directions

Line a serving platter with the lettuce. Arrange the chicken slices and vegetables over the lettuce in an attractive pattern. Drizzle with the Ranch dressing before serving.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa, plus extra for the pan
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
• 2 cups shredded zucchini

Topping

• 2 1/2 cups cappuccino chips or semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
• Chocolate sprinkles for garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a  9″ x 13″ pan cake pan with cooking spray and lightly dust with cocoa powder.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Squeeze the shredded zucchini dry in a paper towel to remove some of the moisture.

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the sugar, butter and oil until well blended and light.

Add the egg and continue beating. Beat in vanilla, buttermilk and applesauce.

Stir in the flour-cocoa mixture. Fold in the grated zucchini and mini chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the  prepared pan.

Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack.

To make the topping:

Heat the chips and heavy cream in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally. Pour into a  bowl and chill.

When ready to frost the cake, whisk the topping and spread on top of the cake. Add the chocolates sprinkles, if using.

Store the cake in the refrigerator.

Posted by Jovina Coughlin in Basil pesto, cake, Cappuccino, celery, Chicken, Desserts, green beans, Grilling, Healthy Italian Cooking, Herbs, melon, onion, Pasta, potatoes, Salad, Salad Dressing, tomatoes, Vegetables Tags: seasonal produce for June