Alex Weiser of Weiser Family Farms has many varieties of summer melons and this year they've arrived early. Right now you can find Galia, which is a green flesh cantaloupe. Also find Cavaillon melons with an orange flesh and a high sugar content as well as the Israeli Ogen melons which are yellow with green flesh. Melon season lasts through October
Josiah Citrin of Melisse and Lemon Moon is using new potatoes in his potato puree and in a potato garlic soup. To make the soup, first blanch the garlic three times to get rid of the astringent flavor. Then sweat onions or leeks in oil. Add chicken broth, potatoes and salt. Cook until the potatoes are cooked through. Add butter and a touch of cream. Puree, strain and puree again just before serving. If you like, season with nutmeg or fennel seed. For a heartier soup, add shrimp or lobster.
The new potatoes have a high sugar content. For a really simple potato salad, start by cooking them slowly. Put potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, garlic and cracked pepper in a pot. Add cold water and turn on the heat. Don't let the water boil. Instead, keep it to a temperature just under a boil. Cook slowly until the potatoes are done.
Music Break: One For Daddy-O by Cannonball Adderley