Spring time freshness

I just finished baking a raspberry rhubarb pie that we will have with a grilled flank steak and salad......so what you ask?

Well the rhubarb is only available this time of year - and this signals the beginning of some great things to come! We all know strawberries and asparagus are big Spring time items. And not the imported from god knows were, but right here at our local farm stands - which are beginning to open. Another wonderful springtime tradition.

With the budding trees, tulips and pollen comes the farm hands protecting those tiny little green sprouts that will become zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, beans and many other favorites. That delicious salad blend with the edible flowers will be back next to the corn on the cob and heirloom tomatoes. Watermelon, blueberries and peaches are coming later in the summer. Grills will be fired up for many of us. BBQ season begins next weekend with Memorial Day and fruit salads, grilled veggies and iced tea will reign! Or perhaps a lighter wine, a summer ale or a mojito - whatever your pleasure.

Can you feel the excitement? No? Well open the windows, take the dog for a walk and look around. Homes are planting their little plots of farm. Nurseries are bursting with flowers, shrubs and herbs. Everyone has emerged from their winter cocoon to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun on their pale little faces and adjust to the longer days.

Support your local farmers - eat local produce, visit a farm stand for fresh goodies, including wonderful breads, jams and other seasonal items. Buy a pot and do a small herb garden of your own. Or a tomato plant...if you have the room - do a larger plot. Get back to nature - because we all know we spend too much time behind a desk, inside looking out wishing we could play in the dirt like we were kids......

Happy Spring from Home Plate Advantage - your personal chef service for Greater Boston.