Summer
arrives on Long Island with an attitude – never predictable, yet never
indifferent. There are cool breezy
days, black clouds, torrential rain, and afternoons of withering humidity. One can only accept the cacophony and try
and go about the rituals of the season.
I make my
annual pilgrimage to Patty’s Berries and Bunches on the East End of Long Island
to stock up on strawberries.
The strawberry
season is short and sweet, and two quarts are collected to supplement my summer
desserts.
At
Restoration Farm, the lettuce for which we have patiently waited now stands
tall. As the Summer Solstice approaches,
the heat of longer days will coax the prized greens and vegetables to
maturity.
On a late
Sunday afternoon, members gather for the annual Summer Solstice potluck, where
we celebrate the bounty of the fields and the farm community we share.
The buffet table is topped with a delicious spread
of homemade salads, cakes and pies, all contributed by members.
We pile our
plates high and revel in the moment, enjoying the music of a sultry jazz
ensemble.
My
contribution is a sweet summer treat – an Almond Poppy Seed Loaf Cake topped
with Long Island Strawberries. (Recipe
found here) The tartness of the
strawberries perfectly compliments the delicate flavor of almonds.
And,
throughout the farm, a bevy of blossoms have emerged to welcome this precious
season of sunlight, warmth and earthly delights.
©2013 T.W.
Barritt All Rights Reserved
17 comments:
I needed this post. With all the running around I've been doing so far this summer, this post allowed me to escape into the smells and visuals of summer - even if it was only for five minutes! Thank you!
What a great looking buffet loaded with seasonal treats. Love your poppy seed bread with strawberries - very patriotic.
Sam
I can't think of a better way to welcome Summer, T.W.
No matter what Mother Nature has in store for us we must embrace it and enjoy. A Pot Luck with friends surrounded by nature and the fruits of our labor reminds us of just how precious the coming of the season is.
Everything looks so inviting. Your Strawberry Poppy Seed Bread is just perfect for the celebration.
Thank you so much for sharing, T.W. Happy Sunday!
Potlucks are a great way to pack in the many delights of the season in one shot! I attended a slow food east end potluck and it was so amazing to try the 30 or so dishes of the region from passionate foodies alike.
I was at Patty's Berries and Bunches yesterday and made a Raspberry/Strawberry compote for a greek vanilla panna cotta for fellow slow food friends. The berries from her farm define each berries true flavor profiles.
Great Post TW.
What a beautiful time of year at Restoration Farm. The food spread is delightful as is your poppy seed loaf cake.
Velva
You know, I could be happy just living in a place like that gardening and cooking and eating... the heck with the crazy world out there! Such a beautiful place and the company is perfect. YOu can feel the good vibes pouring out (and the good food smells). Well done all!
What lovely post T.W. I love poppy sedes and this look delicious also amazing pictures of the farm!:)
I love those kind of reunion. Simple and friendly.
Your cake seems very good and your strawberry are gorgeous !
Here begins peaches and apricots period. They are well sugared. I was a little bit scared because we didn't have a hot spring and I thought fruits wouldn't be too perfumed. But they are. So, everything's fine. i love where you live.
Hi Sam, what a lovely post form your delicious summer Solstice potluck! Love all the gorgeous seasonal dishes and your photos are beautiful. Wish we would live closer to Restoration Farm :)
Cheers,
J+C
Dear T. W., This sounds like a real nice day. The food looks real good, jazz music and good friends. It sounds like fun.
The poppy seed bread only made the day that much better. Blessings, Catherine
TW,
Haven't visited in a while! It all looks gorgeous!
Stacey
Top of the morning to you T.W AND, Happy Blogoversary!!!
Aw, Louise, you remembered! Thank you! Seven years and counting!
That buffet table must have been groaning! What a marvelous display of nature's bounties, T.W. And your poppy seed cake is the perfect ending. Lovely with strawberries.
(And happy blogoversary...didn't realize it, but read Louise's comment!)
What a perfect way to greet summer. The buffet table looks like it's groaning and your cake must have stolen the show. The berries look like gems resting on that scrumptious looking slice of cake. Have a wonderful holiday, T.W. Blessings...Mary
Such a lovely post with beautiful Pics at the Farm.
I just made this tasty looking cake from Martha! It is the best, so tasty too!
What a lovely way to celebrate the day.
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