current issue > summer 2011 contents

I enjoy good food and creating healthy meals and trying new recipes are two of my favorite things to do. It’s easy to pursue these passions in the summer thanks to the abundance of beautiful, fresh produce grown right in our area. What’s not to love about a crisp carrot dug from the ground in the morning that lands on a crudité platter at your backyard barbecue that same evening? Or a multitude of juicy red tomatoes straight from the vine, chopped and combined with other fresh vegetables to create a crowd-pleasing, refreshing gazpacho?

To bring local produce even closer to our home this summer, I plan to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. By doing this, I hope to not only help local farmers, but to enjoy the benefits of healthier eating with fresh fruits and vegetables all season long. In “Ten Tips for Making the Most of Local Produce,” you’ll learn how you can also enjoy nature’s bounty this summer and throughout the year, thanks to some wonderful tips for growing, canning, freezing, dehydrating, and storing local produce. We’ve also provided a handy list of farms in our area for you to visit with your family.

Fresh herbs are another way to bring the flavors and scents of summer into your home. Our Green Scene article offers advice on growing herbs in your own garden and bringing them to your table to add pizzazz to your favorite dishes. Also on the subject of eating right, be sure to read our Face to Face interview with Harvard nutritionist Dr. Lilian Cheung. Dr. Cheung has collaborated with Vietnamese Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominated Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh to write Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life. The book is a must-read, combining nutritional science and ancient wisdom to develop an innovative approach to healthy eating and weight management.

At the end of summer, I plan to make my annual sojourn up north to Vinalhaven, Maine, where my little piece of paradise awaits. This issue’s Excursions article gives you the opportunity to explore Vinalhaven and other islands off the coast of Maine with suggestions for lodging, dining, sightseeing, and simply enjoying some of the most beautiful summer getaways that are still a secret to many.

To stay in touch this summer, be sure to visit our blog (wwmblog.com) often for calendar updates, comments, and community news. Also, WellesleyWeston Magazine is now on Facebook so be sure to visit us there.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and relaxing summer.