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Andrea Charroin
Food Goddess
Summertime, when the eating is easy
Aaaah. Summer is almost here.
Our wonderful farmers market has opened and I can sense the anticipation of the future harvests finding their way to my table. Tomatoes, berries, basil, cucumbers and, of course, MELON!
We are going to have such a good time here on Food For Thought over then next few months. I am going to make a deal with you all. During May and June I will shop the local farmers market, find an ingredient we all need to know more about, and pass on the recipes. What do you all say?
I know I have done strawberries before, but I noticed that the local strawberry stands are sharing their bounty with our community. Really, who can pass up one of those delightful white stands?
This week we will make one of my favorite family treats: granita.
What is Granita? Well, it is basically a water ice; a cross between a sorbet and a slushy, if you will. Granitas are great for a refreshingly light dessert, or as a guiltless treat on the approaching hot summer days.
Try this with melons, or even left-over coffee. I have even made this with champagne, or a white wine, but keep that from the kiddies, please.
Andrea’s Strawberry Granita
1 pound sliced hulled strawberries (about 1 2/3 cups) 3/4 cup of sugar Pinch of salt 1 1/2 cups cold water 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon balsamic (this is optional, but fantastic)Puree strawberries, sugar and salt in processor, an emulsion blender, or push through a sieve until smooth. Add the water and orange juice and mix to blend. Strain into an 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking pan. Cover with foil and place in the freezer.
Stir with a fork every hour until frozen, about 4 hours. Place a scoop of your beautiful granita in a fancy glass and serve to your adoring family and friends. Garnish with a few whole berries. Lovely!
Andrea Charroin was a trained baker and pastry chef in San Francisco before she, her husband Westley, and their two sons moved to Redding nine years ago. After falling in love with Redding’s downtown, Andrea and Westley opened a little pastry shop, Rene-Joule Patisserie, across from the Cascade Theatre. For the three years Rene-Joule was in business, it was renowned for making everything from scratch, using the best ingredients and keeping with a seasonal menu. To this day, Andrea is still asked about her Marathon Bars, Orange Twists and sourdough bread.
Copyright 2008 Andrea R. Charroin
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That would be fabulous Andrea - really enjoy your column - Love the granita recipe - wonderful !
Oh that sounds soooo delicious! Wish it was warm enough in Portland today to have one, but as you say summer is on it’s way! Can’t wait to try this one at my next BBQ.
Yum! Can I add a little kick to this and make it a cocktail? What would you suggest?
Sounds good about the farmer’s market. I have one close to me and I haven’t ever attended. If you give me direction–I will go!
I can’t wait to try this!!! There is a quick tip which you may already be aware of…if you have a good egg slicer, it will work great and save time slicing the strawberries.
I love your idea of sharing recipes for foods found at the Farmer’s Market. Could you especially cover some of the less common ones, the unusual ones, the ones that I want to try but am not sure what to do with!
Thanks everyone! I am looking forward to making the Farmer’s Market a weekley activity for all. Barbara is there something at Farmer’s Market that you would like me to cover?
Suzanne. One of my favoites is cantaloupe and champagne. I use 1 lb of melon(honey dew works too) 3/4 cup sugar and 2 cups of champagne. I did a honey dew and sake one not to long ago that was amazing.
Also Suzanne, grab a hat, kids, and basket and head to the Farmer’s Market! You will discover many delightful foods, meet the farmers, and even make some new friends. If you buy something unusual, just snap a photo and send it to me and we can figure out what impressive treat you can make!
Good luck!
This sounds so good, a nice summer treat. I think our friends and family at the houseboat would like it!
I love our Farmer’s Market at City Hall. Right now they have all sorts of healthy greens, strawberries, English peas, potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, green onions, many types of lettuce, flowers, plants from tomatoes to flowering shrubs, freshly made Indian Foods, tamales, breads, olive oils, almonds, walnuts, pecans, and more. Each week the offerings increase.
I plan my next weeks meals around what I buy there every Saturday.
If you go, please do not be in a hurry, it takes time. Respect the others that are there shopping, enjoy. There is no fast check-out, just a grower trying his/her best to take care of each individual.