Summer's Bounty

Between Weight Watchers, exercise and trying -- and generally succeeding -- to eat healthier, I've spent less time this year eating out and more time visiting my local fruit and vegetable stand. There's a lot more than fruit and vegetables, but I've found the local market has a terrific assortment of local and organic produce. This isn't always easy to get and especially at prices comparable, or better, than supermarkets.

Today's bounty included some real treasures. I only came away with two peaches from an orchard in New Jersey. These are among the best peaches I've ever had and I wait for them to be in season, a wait that's so worth it. But I was entranced by these beautiful tomatoes from Pennsylvania. I resisted buying them, as I've found I need to buy only what I can use in a few days and dislike letting any of these jewels go to waste. I've also been snacking on the red peppers. They're not local, but so healthy and delicious. 

A lot of the fruit in the back row is shipped from California, but there were also plums and apricots from Long Island. The farms of Long Island are rapidly disappearing, but there are fabulous farm stands there, and especially good corn at this time of year.

But I still do get around the city and keep an eye for goodies to share with my Buttercupland friends. Yesterday I was at the dentist and even though I was there less than a month ago I noticed a new and very elegant pastry and sandwich restaurant, Francois Payard Bakery, a couple of blocks away. I settled for an iced coffee but the temptation was enormous to try a piece of cake...

Lemon is one of my all-time favorite flavors.

 

 ...Or buy a jar of jam to take home. Though very simple I was taken with the packaging and the Wild Strawberry called out to me. 

 

 

The product that was most appealing were the ice cream sandwiches made with Payard's signature macarons. I resisted, but I'm thinking of returning before the end of the summer. Happily, I don't have another dental appointment until December, but I think this sweet is worth a trip. I'm debating whether I would pick Salted Caramel or Espresso Brownie, but I'm leaning to the Espresso Brownie. Which flavor would you choose?  

 

There were beautiful cakes and tarts, but the ice cream sandwiches went to the top of my list.   

 

I'm keeping cool dreaming of ice cream sandwiches. I hope the thoughts keeping you cool are equally sweet. As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a sweet Thursday!