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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! 




11 comments

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your travels around town. The produce looks so good. Those red peppers are a nice snack and so healthy. We purchased GA peaches at the orchard near us this week. I definitely think you should treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich before summer is over. I would like the espresso brownie. The lemon cheesecake looks tasty too; like you, I love anything lemon flavored. Have a nice day.

Linda said...

There's peaches in NJ????? WOW!!!! Had no idea...I do miss a good peach...I think you ought to treat yourself to a sweet before the end of summer, friend. Have a beautiful Thursday.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

The peaches in Ohio are wonderful this year too. I've twice been out to the farmers roadside stands and both times got some. I do think I'd like to try that pistachio raspberry ice cream sandwich, but they all sound wonderful !

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I love this time of year and being able to eat fresh "off the truck" produce. It always looks so good and it is hard not to over-buy. My tomato crop was damaged by too much rain in June and July but there will be enough heirlooms to make quite a few yummy BLTs.

The Pistasio Rasberry would be my choice.

Theresa said...

I would like to have some of ALL of that beautiful bounty:) AND one of those jars of JAM too! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Kerin said...

Beautiful produce at the fruit stand.
What gorgeous and yummy looking treats. You are so good to resist such temptations :)

~K.

Tracy said...

They showed those ice cream sandwiches on The Chew and they looked divine.

Nellie said...

New Jersey's nickname is The Garden State, but had no idea good peaches were possible that far north. Our peach season in this area is past for this year. You've certainly found some yummy treats to share with us.

Melinda said...

Looks like a great place.
Lots of fun yummies!

M : )

Mevely317 said...

That Harvest Song collection looks so inviting!
... but those ice-cream sandwiches reminded me of my mother. She wasn't especially fond of sweets, but really (REALLY) enjoyed that treat.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever had one. Pass the caramel, please? :)

Sola Scriptura said...

This post is making me hungry! Sorry I haven't been around to check in with you. Our baby has been in and out of the hospital. Thankfully, he is feeling better now and able to stay home.