This month, the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) features a recipe from Maria Terry, chef and owner of Bleuroot Restaurant (Bleuroot.com), 98 West Main Street, in West Dundee. ILFMA Executive Director Janie Maxwell says, “Try out this recipe for a fabulous taste of summer! Fresh peaches, heirloom tomatoes and artisan bread are featured for an amazing flavor combination.”

Bleuroot is the site of an exquisite farm to table summer feast being held August 23 to benefit the Illinois Farmers Market Association. All food, wine and spirits served will feature local products in amazing flavor combinations.

Heirloom Tomato and Peach Panzanella Salad

This salad is a colorful combination of heirloom tomatoes and juicy peaches, tossed with toasted rustic bread.

Yeilds 4 Servings

Ingredients:

  • Rustic Bread
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ loaf market-fresh French or focaccia
    bread, cut into 1” cubes
  • Pinch of salt
  • Salad
  • 2 cups roughly chopped heirloom tomatoes
    cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 1 cup chopped peach, cut into 1” chunks
    (I peeled mine)
  • 12 basil leaves, torn
  • 2 Tbsp peach balsamic
  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Cut the asparagus, including the tips into very thin shreds and place in a medium bowl. Add the red onion and parmesan and toss to combine. Dress with the vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss to combine. This salad should be fairly heavily dressed as the vinegar will sort of “cook” or tenderize the asparagus. Allow to rest for about an hour before serving.

The Illinois Farmers Market Association supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers’ markets and producers access to resources, education and connections in order to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org. For information about the event or to buy tickets, visit ilfma.org.

Bleuroot is the site of an exquisite farm to table summer feast being held August 23 to benefit the Illinois Farmers Market Association. All food, wine and spirits served will feature local products in amazing flavor combinations.

Article published in NATURAL AWAKENINGS CHICAGO