We got your grill this July 4th!

Memorial Day is the “kick-off” of grilling season and by July Fourth, you should have your grilling game on. Your only concern should be figuring it out what to put on the grill, from the many great offerings at the farmer’s market: plump and juicy brats at the Goode & Local tent, to the meaty chicken thighs and thick rib-eyes and T-bones at R&M Farm. Why not contemplate a mixed grill with some pork sausages, chicken thighs, and lamb chops?

Of course, a classic burger never disappoints. But do make it a “market” burger by adding some sliced Concklin tomatoes, spring onions and red-leaf lettuce from Stoneberry Farm and maybe some sesame or ginger sauce from MOMO Dressing. Consider some tangy Aya Hummus in lieu of ketchup. Emmaline’s Hot Sauce should be on your table, natch. And don't forget the brioche burger buns from Wave Hill Breads. Would sautéing some Madura Farms mushrooms to put on those burgers be gilding the lily? I think not.

Fancy chicken?  Try this spatch-cocked chicken or this bbq chicken from Sam Sifton of the New York Times.

July Fourth is a bit like Thanksgiving in that the “sides” have it. 

Especially with so many people avoiding meat altogether. The summer squash are coming in! Naturally, this  grilled zucchini dish caught my eye. A pasta salad is a MUST on your picnic table.  Make it hype-rseasonal: Stop at La Trafila Pasta and grab some fusilli or other short pasta to make this roasted zucchini pasta salad. I would throw in some of Sun Sprout's cherry tomatoes, halved, in there instead of (or in addition to) the raisins. But that's just me.

If ever there was a weekend to make cherry pie, this is it. Try this foolproof recipe! Not a baker? Noble Pies knows a thing or two about pie crusts and how to fill them. 

Pick up a batch of Luxx  Chocolat Artisan ice cream sandwiches. These are not your garden variety ice cream sandwiches. Prepare to be wowed, and then addicted.

Happy Fourth from all of us at the HFM!

See you at the market!