Farm Fresh and Fabulous!

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

    I feel blessed to live on Long Island, especially during the summertime, when it flaunts its lush green landscape, and beautiful waterways. Long Island, especially the north and south forks, are home to many family owned farmsteads. This time of year, take full advantage and support our local farms and farmer’s markets. They bring us fresh, local grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, honey, homemade jellies, breads, pies and more. 
    However, it’s those robust and juicy ripened tomatoes that I really can’t wait for. Tomato’s sliced with fresh mozzarella and basil, tomatoes with fresh string beans and potato salad, tomato sauce, tomato sandwiches; this is truly the essence of summer to me. 
    There is something so special about eating and shopping outdoors. The feeling of local camaraderie, exchanging of recipes and the forming of friendships, makes shopping at the farmer’s market a unique and warm experience. My advice is to head out early in the day – while the selection is still at it’s best – since vendors usually bring a limited amount to sell. During your outing, plan your meals around the local varieties in season. (Keep it light and healthy during the summer.) And, do plan on bringing cash, as this is usually the preferred method of payment. 
    For those who enjoy home cooked meals, this is the time to experiment with fresh ingredients and taste all the fresh flavors created in your dishes. Here is a quick and simple recipe that I prepare as a meal (at times). Full of pure, simple flavors: a  delicious Tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with basil– no cooking required. Add a grilled baguette that has been brushed with olive oil for dipping, a glass of wine and of course, eat outside! Yum! Enjoy and see you at the market Saturday morning.

Tomatoes and Fresh
Mozzarella Salad 
(Insalata Caprese)

• 6 ripened tomatoes
• ¾ cup fresh basil chopped or whole leaf
• ½ cup good olive oil 
• ½ t sea salt
• Fresh ground pepper
• 1 t fresh or dried chopped oregano or marjoram
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella

Slice the tomatoes vertically rather than horizontally, as they will stay firmer in your salad. Slice the fresh mozzarella and layer alternating slices of tomato and cheese, adding basil leaves between each layer. Season and drizzle with oil. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out the juices of the tomato and marinate the flavors.