I understood what she was getting at. The Wisconsin growing season is relatively short in comparison to some. But, here in Milwaukee we reap the benefits of being close to Lake Michigan, which offers the added advantage of a bit of insulation from frost. So, early October can bring a fairly wide array of garden delights. In fact, many of us are still reaping the harvest from our gardens into late October and early November. And many farmer's markets in our area are actually open and active well into November.
But, I was a bit surprised to find a farmer at the West Allis Farmer's Market this past Saturday who still had a nice, healthy batch of sweet corn to offer up. Not quite as eager as we were earlier in the season, we decided that it might not be a bad idea to buy up a bit of corn, grill it, and pack it away in the freezer. After all, grilled corn is a real treat when the bitter winds of February are blowing! So, we picked up an armload of corn.
We also grabbed a nice bunch of arugula from our friends at Jen Ehr Farm. We shouldn't pick favorites, but the good people at Jen Ehr are some of the best at the market. They're bright, and friendly, and their produce is simply top notch.
After making a quick dressing from a bit of mayonnaise, some Zemo garlic (which seems to be a nice, mild variety just right for eating raw), a bit of lemon, some buttermilk, some cayenne and black pepper... I stirred it together with a few chopped radishes, part of a red onion, and some of the corn.
I tossed the arugula in -- and then plated everything up, tossing a bit of crumbled gorgonzola on top at the last minute.
Sweet, peppery, cruncy, and delicious. I couldn't be happier with how this concoction turned out. This really is the sort of salad that I want to eat on a cool, October day.
Looking back, I'm thinking this would make the perfect chopped salad to serve alongside a nice grass-fed steak. But, I could also see it paired with a bit of protein as something more akin to main dish fare. Either way -- enjoy!
End of Summer Corn and Arugula Salad
©BURP! Where Food Happens
Every day I'm amazed by what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteOne last time....
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see so many summer veg still out at our market...although its california and today it was 85 degrees.
Nice. Especially the arugula!
ReplyDeleteThis looks VERY yummy!! I LOVE the name of your blog! Thanks for stopping by! *Burp**
ReplyDeleteI love fresh corn in salads and rarely remember to put it in. Thanks for a reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment on my blog, and for reading! I'm in a similar situation here in Toronto (not much local going on between end of October and June!). I'll look to your blog for inspiration. . .starting with this salad! I think I might even like radishes in this one ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea here.
ReplyDeleteEat your fresh corn while you stll can.
I still see a few ears here and there at the farm markets, but the season is definitely close to the end here in NY. I am surprised at the things I can still find in abudunance though.
that is a pretty salad! the corn looks so fresh.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know which of your blogs to comment back on! The salad looks lovely by the way.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the debate, I thought Obama really held his ground and sounded presidential. They did put a lot on the table but I think thats what people need to see. They want to see the gloves off and everything out in the open. I doubt its just me who is tired of the secrecy and lies of the Bush administration.
Thanks for your comment, I'm new to this.
This looks so good, a great way to celebrate the end of the season veggies.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I'm ineterested in that Zemo garlic you mentioned; never heard of it. I love garlic but we just have smoked and regular here. Sigh.
ReplyDelete