IN MY KITCHEN - JULY 2026

What's In My Kitchen This Month? 

Lots of produce from the local farmers market. 

The farner's market has officially opened for the season, and I couldn't be more excited. There are about eight local farmers who participate—including three certified organic farms—it's the perfect place to stock up on fresh, seasonal produce.

There is simply no comparison between vegetables that were picked that morning and those that have traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach the grocery store. Freshly grown and picked produce is bursting with flavor, and because it's so fresh, it also retains more of its nutrients and lasts much longer.

The market is held every Saturday morning, nestled in the countryside about 20 minutes from my house. I never know exactly what I'll find. Every week brings something new as different fruits and vegetables come into season.

This week's haul included crisp cucumbers, leafy greens, bok choy, celery, cabbage, fresh herbs such as cilantro and dill, zucchini, dandelion greens, onions, and red potatoes. 

Of course, bringing home all that fresh produce means I'll have to spend some time prepping it and cooking it. 

I like to wash everything as soon as I get home. Some weeks I'll prep individual salad jars for easy lunches. Other times I simply wash and dry everything before storing it in reusable produce bags or containers. Spending a little time upfront makes healthy eating much easier during the busy week.

One thing I discovered this weekend was that my deck makes the perfect produce prep station! Instead of covering my kitchen counters and floor with dirt, leaves, and water, I carried everything outside and worked on my outdoor patio table. It's easier to hose down the deck than have to wash the kitchen floor. 

I washed, sorted, and trimmed my vegetables while enjoying the fresh air, and when I was finished, cleanup was incredibly easy. No muddy kitchen floor to mop afterward!

There's something satisfying about opening the refrigerator and seeing it filled with colorful, fresh produce that's washed, prepped, and ready to use. It inspires me to eat more vegetables, try new recipes, and make the most of everything that's in season.

I made a potato salad with pesto using the potatoes and herbs which I will be sharing the recipe soon.

New Serving Spoons

 Do you shop at your local farmer's market? When you get home, do you wash and prep everything right away, or wait until you're ready to use it? 

Joining Sherry at Sherry's Pickings for her monthly IN MYKITCHEN blogger's share. Anyone can join in . 

Doggy In The Window- Popular song from the 1950's

I was walking around South Philadelphia the other day. It is an old established city neighborhood made up of mostly congested row houses. 

One house had beautiful window flowers and a dog looking out the window. It reminded me of the old song from the 1950's, "How Much Is That Doggy In The Window".  Do you know it? 

Some Trivia About The Song: 

Leafy Greens for Anti-Aging

I like leafy greens, but I often overlook eating them. They are in season, and the farmer's markets are bursting with early summer leafy greens (kale, dandelion greens, lettuces, spinach, etc.). I did a little research on their benefits. Wow! They are extremely beneficial and well worth eating! Here is what I found out. 

Eating leafy greens may give you more energy, stronger bones, contribute to better eye health and heart health. If that is not enough,

Farmers Market Friday

Shopping at my local farmer's market each week is an enjoyable, healthy and useful activity. Look at what I bought and what I cooked.