Sunday, June 30, 2013

Poppy Seed Cake with Strawberries and Summer Blossoms at Restoration Farm


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:

Zany said...

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!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a great looking buffet loaded with seasonal treats. Love your poppy seed bread with strawberries - very patriotic.
Sam

~~louise~~ said...

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!

Laura Luciano said...

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.

Velva said...

What a beautiful time of year at Restoration Farm. The food spread is delightful as is your poppy seed loaf cake.


Velva

Deana Sidney said...

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!

Gloria Baker said...

What lovely post T.W. I love poppy sedes and this look delicious also amazing pictures of the farm!:)

Axelle the french cook said...

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.

Judit + Corina @WineDineDaily said...

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

Catherine said...

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

Stacey Snacks said...

TW,
Haven't visited in a while! It all looks gorgeous!

Stacey

~~louise~~ said...

Top of the morning to you T.W AND, Happy Blogoversary!!!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Aw, Louise, you remembered! Thank you! Seven years and counting!

Barbara said...

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!)

Mary Bergfeld said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

What a lovely way to celebrate the day.