Summer encompasses a lot of holidays, festivities and parties. We unofficially kick the season off with Memorial Day weekend, celebrating our fathers in June, our country’s independence in July and winding things down with Labor Day weekend in September. Produce-wise, we relish fresh strawberries, local peaches and cherries. Freshly harvested, in pies or turned into jams for cold-weather enjoyment, there is a lot to do in the kitchen. On the cheese front, fresh mozzarella and burrata pair beautifully with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and basil – young goat cheeses are also high on our list, perfect with the greens harvested in our home gardens. Here are a few of our top picks for gifts and goodies as the thermometer starts to climb:
Saladini’s Mozzetta Knife
Father’s Day – Sunday, June 17
Treat Dad to a hand-crafted knife from Coltelleria Saladini – a special Italian find and a favorite of our cheesemongers. Alternately, if your father is local to our Cambridge shop, indulge Dad with a Formaggio Food Community cheese or charcuterie share!
Independence Day – Wednesday, July 4
BBQ is the order of the day for many folks on July 4th. Condiments can help to make or break your ‘Q. We’re particularly excited about Antonia’s Mosterds – new mustards from the Netherlands that we are importing directly. We also have a wide selection of hot sauces – as one staffer was overheard telling a customer, “Sriracha is the unofficial staff condiment.”
Cole’s Mackerel in Piri Piri Sauce with Salad
Labor Day – Monday, September 3
At the peak of summer, simple, no-cook meals are at the top of our list – especially if they include some specialty seafood. From anchovies to garnish your Caesar salad, to fine tuna for a Nicoise salad, to octopus for a “Frutti di Mare” dish, to prepared sardine fillets for a cold summer lunch, there are many options for keeping cool and adding a touch of the ocean to your menu!
