What's in season in July?

Another great month is already 1 week in.  So what am I eating?

July is a real month of plenty.  Berries are in the shops and at their best and cheapest at this time of year.  Tomatoes are still on song (or still taking blooming ages to get going if they're in my greenhouse.)


Cherries

One of the joys of July is cherries.  I have been known to sit and devour a punnet on my own.  Ok, I've already done it three times already.  I love cherries and it seems a crime to cook with them.  That said, you can buy cheap and good frozen cherries which aren't quite as sweet as fresh.  Ok, it takes the seasonality out of it a bit but saves you stoning them if you want to make this lovely Clafoutis!

And of course what about chocolate cherry swirl ice cream?

Courgettes (Zucchini)

I'm growing yellow courgettes this year and they're finally getting close being served up.  I tend to grow varieties which aren't easy to buy in the shops but the green courgettes are just as good.  Courgettes are so versatile.  I use them for bulk in vegetarian pasta dishes and chutneys.  They're also great in salads or as a vegetable.  Some people think they're boring, I just think they're a great all rounder.

Why not try some of these recipes?

Roast vegetable pasta, really simple way to have roast vegetables in a more substantial meal.

This tian is one of the most favourite recipes I've ever written.  So much more than the sum of it's parts and a complete meal with some crusty bread for the juices.

Courgettes can also be a great alternative to salad leaves in this courgette salad with salmon.  Just slice thinly with a vegetable peeler, no need for fancy spiralisers.

Peaches

Finally, in praise of the humble peach.  The only fruit which can get away with being furry when it's not gone off!

I was never a fan of peaches until my penfriend showed me how to cut them with a knife to avoid the inevitable dribbling down the chin and arm (not my thing).  Also how a really ripe peach will have a skin which easily peels off (if you're not into the fur thing.)

But if a texturally cute fruit is your thing, why not try this peach breakfast with the natural accompaniment of almonds?

I've linked this up to the healthy, happy, green and natural party hop.