Local Food Journey

beets, cranberries, garlic, leeks, mushrooms, parsnips, pears, potatoes, squash, turnips, winter squash

All Posts including “summer”

Asian-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant

Eggplant is delicious hot or cold and can be enjoyed marinated, stuffed, roasted, grilled, fried, baked in a casserole or stewed. How do you like to prepare it? Share your favorite recipe this month for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Mount Nittany Winery.

Continue reading for a recipe from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Continue Reading: Asian-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant

Posted by Steve Spanelli on 09/12, 2011 at 11:11 AM

Winner of the Tomato Recipe Contest

Wow! We had a lot of submissions for this month’s tomato recipe contest. Thanks to everyone who participated! And congratulations to winner Mary Gage of State College for her Green Tomato Chutney. She is the recipient of a $25 gift certificate to Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim.

Continue reading to see all of the submitted recipes—from tomato cakes to tomato tarts to tomato bread pudding. Enjoy!

Continue Reading: Winner of the Tomato Recipe Contest

Posted by Emily Wiley on 09/01, 2011 at 01:39 PM

Cucumber-Tomato Salsa

Today is the final day to share your favorite tomato recipe! Submit it now for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim. A winner will be randomly selected and announced by noon tomorrow. Good luck!

Continue reading for a seasonal salsa recipe from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Continue Reading: Cucumber-Tomato Salsa

Posted by Emily Wiley on 08/31, 2011 at 09:57 AM

Garlicky Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

Tomatoes of all shapes and colors are still in abundance at the local markets. Pick up a box and let us know how you use them! Share your recipe by August 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim.

Continue reading for one of Kristin’s favorite simple late summer recipes.

Continue Reading: Garlicky Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

Posted by Kristin Camplese on 08/25, 2011 at 03:22 PM

Field Notes and a Recipe for Pan-Fried Green Tomatoes

The rain has brought with it cooler temperatures, and I’ve heard several people expressing their excitement for the upcoming fall. I, however, really enjoy the heat and the beauty of the middle of summer.

Continue Reading: Field Notes and a Recipe for Pan-Fried Green Tomatoes

Posted by Erin McKinney on 08/11, 2011 at 11:30 AM

Grilled Mexican Corn

Please welcome Kristin Camplese who will stop by occasionally to share recipes from her popular food blog, Cuizoo.com!

My family and I recently pledged to eat local sweet corn for the last 30 days of summer vacation. It is not a hard task given how delicious it is. And while most nights we could eat it simply slathered with butter and salt, this recipe is one of our favorites. It is really a meal in itself as it combines rich seasonings, garlicky mayonnaise, and lots of cheese. Finish with a sprinkling of cilantro and a
squeeze of lime juice, and you will be licking your fingers and buying another dozen ears for tomorrow.

Continue Reading: Grilled Mexican Corn

Posted by Kristin Camplese on 08/10, 2011 at 01:06 PM

Field Notes: Summer Garlic and a Recipe for Pepper Packets

It’s the middle of summer, and that means it’s time for garlic! From spring garlic to garlic scapes, and fresh garlic to stored bulbs… it’s one of our favorite year-round crops. And now is the time to hurry up and get it out of the ground and hang it to cure.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Summer Garlic and a Recipe for Pepper Packets

Posted by Erin McKinney on 08/02, 2011 at 05:19 PM

Grilled Corn Salsa

Stacks of sweet corn can still be found at many farmers markets. Are you picking some up for the weekend? If so, try this Grilled Corn Salsa from Steve Spanelli of Tait Farm.

Or make your own recipe and share it with the Local Food Journey for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Pantry in State College. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, July 31st, and the winner will be randomly selected and announced by noon on Monday, August 1st. Good luck!

Continue Reading: Grilled Corn Salsa

Posted by Steve Spanelli on 07/29, 2011 at 02:36 PM

Corn Salad with Sweet Chili Lime Vinaigrette

It’s no wonder that sweet corn is right up there with tomatoes as America’s favorite vegetable. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh picked corn. Whether you eat it on the cob, or turn it into delicious salad, the time to enjoy it is now!

Try this nice, light, and refreshing salad courtesy of Cindy Tait Law. And don’t forget to share your favorite sweet corn recipe before July 31st for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Pantry in State College!

Continue Reading: Corn Salad with Sweet Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Posted by Kim Tait on 07/27, 2011 at 10:59 AM

Chef Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola

Eleven years ago, former Farmer Mark from Tait Farm had a bumper crop of freshly grown green beans and showed up at our back door with several large boxes of them. Chef Harrison created this recipe and officially and deliciously launched our local foods menu.

Over the years, Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola has become a seasonal summer favorite. It is easy to make at home and is a great recipe for those beautiful farmers market green beans this summer. Enjoy!

Continue Reading: Chef Harrison’s Green Beans Gorgonzola

Posted by Kit Henshaw on 07/26, 2011 at 10:55 AM

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

With temperatures predicted to reach record highs today and tomorrow, what better way to manage the heat than with a bowl of homemade ice cream? It is National Ice Cream Month, after all.

Continue Reading: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/21, 2011 at 01:15 PM

Corn on the Cob with Basil-Parmesan Butter

Grilled corn on the cob is a popular item on the menus of backyard BBQs and picnics across the country. Try this version with an herb butter that makes the corn seasoned and succulent. It’s a perfect summer treat.

Continue Reading: Corn on the Cob with Basil-Parmesan Butter

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/07, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Field Notes: Beet Salad

Field production is running a bit behind schedule this year, but this seems to be the case for most farms in the area. The “schedule,” of course, is always just an ideal planting time, when really we fall to the mercy of the weather in the end. But better late than never is the case this summer, as we are just now harvesting our spring turnips and beets.

Continue Reading: Field Notes: Beet Salad

Posted by Erin McKinney on 07/06, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Celebrate Local Food and Farms

The first annual Summer Solstice Celebration at Tait Farm was a success! Watch a video recap of the local event.

Continue Reading: Celebrate Local Food and Farms

Posted by Katherine Taylor Grofic on 06/24, 2011 at 03:38 PM

Farmland Preservation Artists

The farmland in Centre County provides wildlife habitat, helps to replenish the groundwater supply, generates tax revenue, and feeds local residents. But as the county’s population grows, more and more farmland is being lost to development. WPSU’s Kristine Allen gives an audio report on efforts to preserve farmland—notably, one that involves a group of local artists who gathered at Tait Farm last Saturday for the first annual Summer Solstice Celebration.

Continue Reading: Farmland Preservation Artists

Posted by Emily Wiley on 06/24, 2011 at 12:33 PM

Comments (0) | Permalink | Tags: events | summersolstice |

A Convivium of Local Support

Solstice…the word conjures up visions of kicking back, chilling out and enjoying a long, lazy summer day. But on Saturday, June 18th at Tait Farm in Centre Hall, the crowd at the first annual Summer Solstice Celebration to benefit the Centre County Farmland Trust was actively engaged in the pursuit of tasting locally produced fresh delights while supporting a local farm. In a word, it was happy. People were relaxed, cooperative and neighborly – grateful for the weather, the scenery, the fresh farm air, the flavors, the sense of community, and the shared mission of local foods and farms.

Continue Reading: A Convivium of Local Support

Posted by Kit Henshaw on 06/24, 2011 at 12:11 PM

Comments (0) | Permalink | Tags: events | summersolstice |

Simple Strawberry Cake

Strawberry season is my favorite season; though it is a short one. Throughout the month of June, I enjoy strawberries on my morning cereal and swirled into yogurt, tossed with spinach salad, on top of shortcakes and waffles, and layered with vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting. We also currently have four quarts in the freezer just begging to be thawed and consumed.

Continue Reading: Simple Strawberry Cake

Posted by Emily Wiley on 06/22, 2011 at 02:15 PM

Summer Solstice Celebration a Success!

Thank you to all who attended Saturday’s Summer Solstice Celebration at Tait Farm. The event was a huge success, and we were thrilled to meet so many local foodies!

We were proud to join partners from Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Otto’s Pub & Brewery, and Mount Nittany Winery in support of the Centre County Farmland Trust.

Hopefully you left the event with a greater understanding of the importance of preserving Centre County farmland for food, natural resources, and future generations. Get more information and find out how to become a member on their website.

Continue Reading: Summer Solstice Celebration a Success!

Posted by Emily Wiley on 06/20, 2011 at 04:30 PM

Comments (0) | Permalink | Tags: events | summersolstice |

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Have you submitted your favorite strawberries recipe for the June contest? Share it today for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Harrison’s Wine Grill in State College.

Enjoy this favorite from Tait Farm Foods.

Continue Reading: Strawberry Vinaigrette

Posted by Steve Spanelli on 06/20, 2011 at 01:55 PM

Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18th

The cool, rainy days of early May have finally given way to warmer temperatures here in Happy Valley. And with spring sunshine has come the opening of local farmers markets and stands stocked with vibrant green stalks of asparagus, spicy arugula, and crisp, colorful rhubarb.

There are many ways to celebrate the season—with backyard burgers and local brews or a picnic in the park. But, perhaps the best way to pay tribute to the pleasures of late spring is by fostering the farms that feed us.

Continue Reading: Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18th

Posted by Emily Wiley on 05/23, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Comments (0) | Permalink | Tags: events | summersolstice |

Okra Hash with Spicy Sausage

Some folks are intimidated by okra, most likely due to its foreign origin and slimy texture. Before creating this recipe, I had only eaten fried okra, and, admittedly, it was not on the top of my list to eat again. But I wanted to give the vegetable a second chance.

Continue Reading: Okra Hash with Spicy Sausage

Posted by Michele Frank on 09/14, 2010 at 09:56 AM

The Garden in Centre Hall

Last Sunday afternoon, while driving along unfamiliar roads in Centre Hall, my parents and I stumbled upon “The Garden.” Though small, this shed off of Old Fort Road was packed with the summer’s final fresh produce. There were shelves of jams and jellies, fresh packed dill pickles and beets, salsas and jarred tomatoes. The options were boundless; which is often rare for a roadside farm stand of this size.

Continue Reading: The Garden in Centre Hall

Posted by James Gherardi on 09/09, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Comments (0) | Permalink | Tags: summer | farm |

Roasted Cabbage

We love to roast vegetables—it’s our favorite way to enjoy them. The high, dry heat of the oven caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables and highlights their natural sweetness. You can roast tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beets, and most root vegetables.

Continue Reading: Roasted Cabbage

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 09/08, 2010 at 04:30 PM

Cucumber Melon Salad

Labor Day may represent the unofficial end of summer, but farmers markets continue to carry sweet, juicy produce like melons and cucumbers through the end of the month.

Continue Reading: Cucumber Melon Salad

Posted by Emily Wiley on 09/07, 2010 at 03:03 PM

Chicken in Mushroom White Wine Sauce

After chatting with Sandy Alexander from Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, I decided I had to cook with wine. It was a new and intriguing challenge that I took head on. My three friendly “guinea pigs” tasted this creation and agreed it was a hit. If you like your sauce to be a tad creamier, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour while it’s cooking. But I prefer the fluid texture against the rice and chicken.

Continue Reading: Chicken in Mushroom White Wine Sauce

Posted by Michele Frank on 09/01, 2010 at 03:04 PM

Apples in Sweet Red Wine Sauce

I have never enjoyed the overwhelming sweetness associated with desserts. When I was a little girl, my mother made this apple dish so I wouldn’t feel left out during dessert time. To this day, I have been working to recreate her recipe, and I think this is as close as I will ever get. It is a little tangy and a little sweet, just perfect for those of us who like a little bite to our desserts.

Continue Reading: Apples in Sweet Red Wine Sauce

Posted by Michele Frank on 09/01, 2010 at 02:54 PM

Pesto Pizza

It seems like just yesterday that we planted our first garden of peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. But now, in late August, the tomato vines are browning and the basil leaves are wilting.

Before our backyard trees turn shades of auburn and gold, we celebrated the end of summer with pesto pizza.

Continue Reading: Pesto Pizza

Posted by Emily Wiley on 08/30, 2010 at 11:46 AM

Sautéed Pepper and Onion Pasta

Here is a quick and easy pasta salad, perfect for the summer to fall transition time. It can be served either hot or cold and pairs well with heavy wheat beer.

Continue Reading: Sautéed Pepper and Onion Pasta

Posted by Michele Frank on 08/25, 2010 at 12:34 PM

Watermelon Granita

Before summer turns to fall, take advantage of late August melons with this easy granita recipe.

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Posted by Emily Wiley on 08/18, 2010 at 10:28 AM

Orzo with Roasted Eggplant and Cinnamon-Cumin Dressing

Since seeing Food, Inc. and reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma, I’ve become more conscious of the food I eat — especially the meat I eat.

Continue Reading: Orzo with Roasted Eggplant and Cinnamon-Cumin Dressing

Posted by Emily Wiley on 08/16, 2010 at 01:49 PM

Corn Tomato Cilantro Salad

This quick and simple side dish makes use of two popular August ingredients: corn and tomatoes. Add spicy jalapeños and fragrant cilantro and serve alongside your favorite Mexican main course.

Continue Reading: Corn Tomato Cilantro Salad

Posted by Emily Wiley on 08/11, 2010 at 01:20 PM

How to Enjoy the Remaining Days of a Happy Valley Summer

August is here, which means cranberries and pumpkins will soon replace blueberries and tomatoes. But there’s still time to enjoy the final quiet days of Happy Valley’s summer before football season begins. Michele Marchetti, co-founder of Homegrown Happy Valley, shares her favorite picks.

Continue Reading: How to Enjoy the Remaining Days of a Happy Valley Summer

Posted by Michele Marchetti on 08/04, 2010 at 02:38 PM

New Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

This quick recipe is a tangy, savory way to spice up roasted potatoes.

Continue Reading: New Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 08/02, 2010 at 01:25 PM

Fridays Mean Vegetables

Every Friday evening my housemate Kristen brings home a wooden crate overflowing with fresh-picked vegetables. This cornucopia is not from the grocery store.

Continue Reading: Fridays Mean Vegetables

Posted by Emily Reddy on 07/30, 2010 at 03:01 PM

Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Some people love summer for its long, leisurely days. I love it for its abundance of local fruit.

Continue Reading: Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/28, 2010 at 09:19 PM

Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

This light, creamy dressing is great not only on cabbage and coleslaw, but also on salads and fresh vegetables, like cucumbers.

Continue Reading: Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 07/26, 2010 at 03:00 PM

Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Looking for a simple compliment to a summer cookout? Try chopped fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds tossed with a tangy buttermilk dressing.

Continue Reading: Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/21, 2010 at 12:24 PM

Simple Saturday Morning Frittata

Don’t you love Saturday mornings? When mugs of coffee and magazines replace alarm clocks and commutes.

Continue Reading: Simple Saturday Morning Frittata

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/17, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Garlic Scape Pesto

We received about half a pound of garlic scapes two weeks ago from our CSA. Even though I’ve seen and heard of scapes, I wasn’t sure what part of the garlic plant the scape came from.

Continue Reading: Garlic Scape Pesto

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 07/12, 2010 at 03:45 PM

Slow Cooked Green Beans

Green beans are sold canned and frozen year round. But you can find cartons of fresh whole beans at your local market now through September.

Continue Reading: Slow Cooked Green Beans

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/09, 2010 at 02:00 PM

Pea and Mint Risotto

Do you have mint growing in your garden? Pair it with summer peas for a hearty risotto.

Continue Reading: Pea and Mint Risotto

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 07/05, 2010 at 11:47 AM

Oriental Pork Stir Fry

Stir fry recipes are fun and easy to prepare and make good use of summer produce.

Continue Reading: Oriental Pork Stir Fry

Posted by Emily Wiley on 07/01, 2010 at 03:49 PM

Caramelized Tofu over Sautéed Greens

This nutritious one pan meal is provided by Jessica from Gilbertsville, Pa.

Do you have a favorite seasonal recipe to share? Complete our form, and we’ll feature your recipe on the Local Food Journey.

Continue Reading: Caramelized Tofu over Sautéed Greens

Posted by Jessica Reilley on 06/25, 2010 at 10:24 AM

Strawberry Shortcake Cake

A traditional chocolate cake with fluffy white frosting is a fine dessert choice, but during the month of June, why not choose a seasonal strawberry shortcake cake?

Continue Reading: Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Posted by Emily Wiley on 06/24, 2010 at 09:55 AM

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This simple summer salad combines tender spinach leaves and fresh sliced strawberries with a sweet dressing and crunchy sunflower seeds.

Continue Reading: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Posted by Emily Wiley on 06/23, 2010 at 09:33 AM

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Share your favorite parsnips recipe for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Tait Farm Foods.

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Seasonal Recipes

Food Stories from NPR

Does Offering Smaller Portions At Restaurants Help People Eat Less?

February 08, 2012

Asking for less food isn't something most people think about when ordering from a menu. A new study suggests that asking people if they want less food and, in turn, fewer calories, before they order is key.

Skip The Spoon: Babies May Eat Better When They Feed Themselves

February 08, 2012

Babies who feed themselves finger food were more likely to prefer bread and pasta to sweets, according to a new study. And spoon-fed babies were more likely to be obese.

Recall Reveals An Egg's Long Path To The Deli Sandwich

February 08, 2012

More than one million eggs have been recalled since late January for possible contamination with listeria. Deli foods like cold cuts and hard-boiled eggs are often kept for weeks before they are used in the refrigerator, where listeria can grow like wildfire.

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