Take advantage of everything late summer in Ithaca has to offer. The best way to weekend is to hike, swim in the gorges and pay a visit to the Ithaca Farmers Market. With plenty of produce in peak season, there is no reason not to try some new techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Options are endless from healthy takes on tacos to greener ways to make gazpacho.

Here are some ideas for your farm fresh produce:

Garden Tacos

Recipe by farm to table pioneer Alice Waters here.

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Photo by Lauren J. Kaplan

Heirloom Tomato Caprese 

For a simple and sophisticated side, plate up ripe heirloom tomatoes, cheese and basil. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

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Photo by Lauren J. Kaplan

Spicy Carrot Hummus

Harissa adds an exotic kick to enhance a classic dip. Recipe here by Cornell School of Hotel Administration alumna Aida Mollenkamp.

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Photo by Lauren J. Kaplan

Cucumber Gazpacho 

Looking for a light and refreshing summer snack? Here’s a chilled soup cool as a cucumber.

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Photo by Lauren J. Kaplan

Add a chilled bottle of white wine and you have the perfect end of  summer soirée.

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Photo by Lauren J. Kaplan

 

More good stuff here:

Juicing: Farmers Market Edition
Farm Fresh Friday
Farm Fresh: A Guide to Fall Farmers Market
Ithaca’s Best Kept Secret: Winter Farmers Market