Summer Heat

Yes, it's that time of year...summer. Now it's getting towards late summer, but the one thing remains...too much heat! Is there really such a thing? To some of us there is, as

we don't deal well in the humidity, we work in a hot kitchen, and we don't have the pleasure of swimming in a pool all day. There are so many things that one could do in

the summer just to avoid the heat, like the latter idea, but can we all do that? Don't we have to work insane hours just to pay bills and afford things in life? So then we find

ways around the summer heat issue. I like the idea of laying in the shade of a big tree with maybe a blanket and the breeze flowing over, but wait, work gets in the way

again!

When I was younger, we would take a dip in the creek after gardening all day or making hay. I actually was afraid of water and couldn't swim, but I still did it! Now I wish

that creek was near me! Instead I am sweating it out at two jobs, three counting the market, and longing for a better life! I can't go back to jumping in the creek to cool off,

so instead I find myself staying out of the hot kitchen at work and sitting the air conditioned dining room, waiting for a table. Such is life!

We also need to look for refreshing foods in the summer heat and of course drink plenty of water. As far as the cool foods, I recommend making cold salads, like a tossed

one, macaroni salad, and of course some fruit salad. That way you don't have to cook when the kitchen is really hot because of the summer heat. I also make fried zuchinni,

onion rings, and any other deep fried veggies to reheat in the toaster oven later in the day. One morning I had the fryer on by 7, just to put in squash for later use. Of course

I froze a lot of it for winter use.

Don't forget, you can shop at the markets to get your fresh produce, eggs, breads, and much more for staying cool the healthy way! Forget the drive thrus, fast food places,

truck stops, and other quick eaterys and make something healthy that you got at the Farmers Market! Look for the market every Tuesday in Johnstown on Perry Street, in

front of Lexington from 3-6. Just make sure not to park in the roadway, but use the parking lot that is provided by Lexington! Then more vendors and more locally grown

items can be found every Saturday at the Pavilion, off of Church Street in Gloversville. Lots of goodies there from 8 to noon, don't miss it.

For more info please check out our website and facebook page @ www.fultonmontgomeryfarmersmarket.org

Or call me @ 775-7844 Market manager Curdie Gardner So stay cool in the summer heat!