As summer 2012 comes to an end and we head into fall in the Adirondacks, it’s time to get down to some serious cooking. This is my favorite time of year to cook because I get the end of the summer harvest and the early fall harvest
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon this time of year is to do a food crawl. I take a drive through the Adirondacks, check out the multitude of farmers’ markets & farm stands in Glens Falls, Queensbury and then work my way north, stopping at every farm stand I see. I stock up on everything from herbs to dry or use for pesto to “ugly tomatoes” that I can use for my winter supply of sauce.
On my way back I usually make it a point to stop by Oscar’s Smokehouse in Warrensburg for the main course. I like to let my farm market purchases dictate what will be for dinner.
This delicious meal was actually cooked by my husband with his farm market finds of the day.
- Leg of lamb: 2 boneless legs butterflied.
– In a skillet, saute onion, garlic,andouille sausage (diced), baby bella mushrooms, olive oil, a little chicken stock, rosemary, oregano & sage and a modest amount of bread crumbs to make a loose stuffing. Spoon over the top of one leg, place the other on top and tie with butcher twine. Season the outside with salt & pepper, drizzle with olive oil & brown the outsides on the grill. Finish in the oven at 350 until meat reaches desired temperature (reads about 140 on your meat thermometer for medium rare). Let the meat rest 15 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute. - Fingerling potatoes: Locally grown potatoes, herbs from my garden (thyme & oregano), garlic & onion with olive oil from Saratoga Olive Oil.
- Grilled eggplant: Locally grown eggplant, sliced & seasoned with salt, pepper & more herbs from the garden.
- Sliced tomato salad: Locally grown tomatoes with salt, pepper, herbs, olive oil, fresh lemon.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes: Roasted with the lamb in the juices
Stay tuned for more great fall recipes, foodie events, restaurant reviews & more! Don’t forget, Taste Of The North Country and The Adirondack Balloon Festival are just around the corner!