Summer Lovin': 99+ Ways to Beat the Heat
Cannonballs in the pool, washing up detergent on the Slip ’N Slide, Amazon delivering daily pints of Ben & Jerry’s—it’s all fun, but it’s not, you know, FUN. But don’t fret. The guide that follows will blow the cobwebs off your old summer routine with must-try seasonal recipes, cocktails, beers, and wines, plus a list of local farmers’ markets, loads of new summer hangs, free activities for the whole family, and fun-filled destinations with where to stay and play. Mix a few of these in with your normal cannonballs and ice cream, and you’ll be having your best summer ever in no time.
New Kids on the Block:
15+ Hot Spots to Eat, Drink and Hang
Brace yourself for adventure with Quarry Park Adventures’ official grand opening scheduled for June 22. Located in the 160-year-old Quarry Park in Rocklin, this huge new adventure park is destined to become a mecca for thrill-seekers young and old with over 2,000 feet of zip lines, approximately 70-foot-high granite walls for rock climbing, “The Roundhouse”—a 10,000-square-foot building that will host five different mini restaurants and be open 12 months a year, seven days a week—a picnic pavilion that fits up to 250 people and is a perfect place to hold corporate or group picnics, paddle boat rides on Quinn Lake, and so much more. Downtown Rocklin, 916-750-1772, quarrypark.com
Sited inside Murieta Inn and Spa, The Gate Restaurant and Bar just opened in February. Taking inspiration from the farm-to-fork movement, their executive culinary team draws from the inn’s own five-acre farm and greenhouse to create the menus and sources meats, poultry, and fish from local ranchers. They’re open for brunch, happy hour, and dinner and offer craft beers, local wines, and signature cocktails. 7337 Murieta Drive, Rancho Murieta, 916-354-3900, thegaterestaurant.com
Scott’s Seafood is moving into their new location at The Roundhouse on Sutter Street this year. Expect the same excellent service and deliciously fresh seafood in an exciting new space. 824 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-989-6711, scottsseafood.net/folsom
Bravo Coffee Bar opened their new Folsom location in January after establishing themselves as a farmers’ market favorite. Choose from a variety of locally roasted beans for your perky pourover, indulge in a flavored handcrafted hot or iced coffee, or select from an extensive range of teas. 813 Sutter Street, Suite C, Folsom 916-803-8742, bravocoffeebar.homesteadcloud.com
Brazilian Steakhouse Brisas Do Sul is where gauchos (chefs/waiters) will deliver all manner of delicious, freshly carved, and skewered meats directly to your table. You can also enjoy delicious Brazilian cocktails like their signature Caipirinha and fresh vegetables, fruits, and desserts at the “Farmer’s Table.” Follow their Facebook page to get grand opening updates. It’s going to be the only restaurant of its kind in town and an experience that’ll leave memories long after the last bite. 380 Palladio Parkway, Suite 305, Folsom, 916-260-0661, brisasdosul.com
Red Bus Brewing opened their doors this past February in Historic Folsom and is the city’s first brewery since the 1880s. The seven-barrel production brewery and tasting room—themed around a 1968 VW Bus—specializes in IPAs as well as European/German styles and also features a kids’ game room and food trucks on Friday nights and weekends. 802A Reading Street, Folsom, 916-467-7790, redbusbrew.com
Burning Barrel Brewing Company is expected to heat up Rancho Cordova’s new “Barrel District” early this summer. The 15-barrel production brewery—a father-son venture led by 23-year-old Duncan Alexander with the help of head brewer Jason Williams—has plans to offer European style and barrel-aged beers, alongside an array of ales at their tasting room. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on the highly anticipated grand opening in June! 11210 Sun Center Drive, Rancho Cordova, 916-990-3520, burningbarrelbrewco.com
Boulevard 41 is coming soon to the El Dorado Hills Town Center (right by Hop House) and is expected to open early this summer. What’s in a name? Forty-one is the number of taps, including 29 self-pour beer taps and eight self-pour wine taps. To help soak up all those suds, they’ll serve quick-wood-fired pizzas with local and seasonal ingredients, plus signature salads, appetizers, and desserts. Nope, you’re not dreaming. Go ahead, picture yourself on their huge all-weather patio (with a fire pit and lounge area) this summer! 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 134, El Dorado Hills, boulevard41.com
Brought to you by the fine folks behind Ruffhaus Hot Dog Company, C. Knight’s Steakhouse opened in El Dorado Hills in February. An intimate steakhouse with a throwback “speakeasy” feel, they offer the finest quality steaks (served a la carte with sides), chops, and seafood, as well as entrées like an anise-brined double-cut Niman Ranch pork loin chop, sautéed chicken breast roulade, and classic shrimp scampi. Tip: Grab a cocktail and food from their “Ecstatic Hour” menu (hello, poutine!), Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. 2085 Vine Street, Suite 101, El Dorado Hills, 916-235-1730, cknightssteakhouse.com
Rancho Cordova’s Thin Line Brewing Company opened in December and is part of the growing “Barrel District.” The small-batch craft brewery honors first responders and law enforcement and offers a variety of IPAs, stouts, and European-styles with names like “The Rookie,” “Honor,” and “Light Duty.” In addition to brews, there’s an entire play area for kiddos. Cheers to that! 11354 White Rock Road, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova, thinlinebrewing.com
Back Bistro recently relocated from their current location on Blue Ravine Road to an exciting new spot at the Palladio, with a grand opening scheduled for this month. Expect the same five-star dining and friendly service plus an expanded menu and cocktail offerings. 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1201, Folsom, 916-986-9100, backbistro.com
Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten—the newest location for Rocklin’s Out of Bounds Brewing Company—held their grand opening festivities last month…just in time to kick off a fabulous summer. It’s the perfect spot for dining al fresco with a Juiced Grapefruit Double IPA (or something else from the other 49 taps, including vino and cider), noshing on one of the many seasonal selections from the craft kitchen (open for lunch and dinner seven days a week), listening to live music around one of the five incredible outdoor fire pits, having a ball at the bocce ball courts, or taking advantage of the only growler fill station in the area. Summer’s arrived and it’s right here! 13407 Folsom Boulevard, Suite D, Folsom, 916-357-5250, outofboundsbrewing.com
Walk the line this summer. Folsom’s Johnny Cash Trail is now fully connected to the American River Bike Trail and Lake Natoma Trail in a complete, uninterrupted loop. Keep an eye out as Adan Romo’s exciting new artwork installations begin to appear on the trail, the first being a seven-foot-high bronze guitar pick. Plan your next trail trek: Park for free near the rodeo grounds (200 Stafford Street) and pick up the trailhead from there, then travel northeast past Folsom Prison to get to the Johnny Cash Overcrossing near Folsom Lake for some spectacular views! 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-461-6601, folsomcasharttrail.com
Open since January, Whips Desserts is to dessert what Devo is to new wave music, minus the funny hats. Take some ice cream, take some cake: now whip it! Whip it good! Pick from cakes like red velvet, peanut butter, carrot, cheesecake, birthday cake, or even pie (OMG), add ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry) or vanilla yogurt, and shazam! High five your inner five-year-old and indulge! 711 East Bidwell Street, Suite 10, Folsom, 916-542-7907, whipsdesserts.com
Having recently opened, Pretty Sweet offers an indulgent array of cakes, cupcakes, macarons, brownies, and cookies, as well as coffee; they also create custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for special events, from weddings to baby showers. Bring on the sugar coma! 350 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1935, Folsom, 916-952-3043, prettysweet.co
Coming to Palladio this spring is Buckhorn Grill, the family-friendly eatery offering everything from finger-lickin’ barbecue platters and juicy burgers to sandwiches. (They also offer salads if you’re into that kind of thing.) 250 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1339, Folsom, buckhorngrill.com
Get your fill of delicious pho at Pho Tam in the Briggs Ranch Plaza at Blue Ravine Road and East Natoma Street. In addition to a huge array of pho, they also serve Vietnamese rice and noodle dishes, boba milk teas, banh mi sliders, and more. 25004 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 121, Folsom, 916-542-7913, photamfolsom.com
Sacramento institution Broderick Roadhouse is expected to arrive in Folsom by the end of next month, delivering scratch-made comfort food like massive mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches (fancy a Johnny Cash burger?), specialty loaded fries (the Banh Mi tots are not of this earth), and local craft beers, as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 175 Placerville Road, Folsom, broderickroadhouse.com
Free for All:
20+ Things to do that Don't Cost a Penny
It’s never been easier to take the kids to the zoo thanks to Wells Fargo Wednesdays at the Sacramento Zoo. On the first Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., up to four kids ages 2-11 receive free admission with a paid adult. saczoo.orgFree tunes, good food! El Dorado Hills Community Services District presents their free annual Summer Concert Series starting June 15 at 7 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Community Park. Enjoy live music, food, and a bounce house; and mark your calendar for more through the summer: June 29, July 20, August 3, and August 17. edhcsd.org
Thrill to live music under the stars with Folsom Parks and Recreation’s free Friday evening concert series, Summer Concerts in the Park, starting June 1 and running weekly through July 27 at Folsom City Lions Park from 7-9 p.m. The fun starts with reggae from Island of Black and White on June 1, FBI brings the rock on June 8, and Keep on Truckin’ brings a tribute to the Woodstock generation on June 15. folsom.ca.us
Summer is a great time to grab a rod and reel and try your hand at fishing. Did you know that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two Free Fishing Days in California each year when you can fish without a sport fishing license? It’s a great low-cost way for beginners to give the sport a try. This year’s events are on July 7 and September 1. (All fishing regulations remain in effect; i.e., bag/size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours, and stream closures.) Check out the department’s online fishing guide for more details. wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing
Check out local artists at the Gallery at 48 Natoma’s main gallery. From May 11 to June 28, catch Feast for the Eyes with a vintage crate label collection by Thomas Pat Jacobsen, scratchboard still life paintings by Linda Heath Clark, and oil paintings by Craig Stephens; from July 13 to September 8 is Life Lessons featuring paintings by Chris Foster, figurative sculptures by Amanda Paoletti, and textile portraits by Sandra Poteet; and from September 14 through November 8 is Secret Language of Dreams featuring sculptures and paintings by Claudia Cohen. In the Community Gallery from May 3 to June 21 you can see even more local talent with the El Dorado Hills Art Studio Tour Preview Show. The best part? Admission is always free! folsom.ca.us
Enjoy accessible art this summer: Every third Sunday of the month is Pay What You Wish Day at the Crocker Art Museum, sponsored by Western Health Advantage. Visitors are granted free admission (kids six and under are always free) and are welcome to enter the museum and contribute to the donation box. crockerart.org
Historic Folsom is adding some new festivities this summer with a free Folsom Symphony concert on May 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Historic District Amphitheater (921 Sutter Street). Enjoy upbeat selections from Broadway, TV, and movies, including a tribute to John Williams (composer of Star Wars music). historicfolsom.org
Bringeth thy family and misseth not an evening of summ’r excit’ment at Historic Folsom on May 31 for Shakespeare at the Amphitheater with a free performance of the bard’s The Tempest, a comedy of betrayal, sorcery, and revenge. Bring a low backed/beach chair and a picnic and enjoy the evening. historicfolsom.org
The California State Fair at Cal Expo will run July 13-29. There’s nothing more fun than the fair, but it’s even more fun when it’s affordable: Don’t miss out on Free Tuesdays on July 17 and 24, courtesy of Wells Fargo: Free admission for kids aged 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages! castatefair.org
New time, same fun: El Dorado Hills Town Center’s free Thursday night concert series, Live on the Boulevard, returns on June 14 at the new time of 7-9 p.m. (set up begins at 5:30 p.m.) at Steven Young Amphitheater. As always, this family-friendly concert series promises an amazing lineup guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing. edhtowncenter.com
Folsom Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins June 1 with a whole host of free activities for kids to enjoy through July. This year’s theme is “Reading Takes You Everywhere.” Don’t miss the kick-off party on June 2 from 10 a.m. to noon featuring a bounce house and a concert by local musician Music Mike. Themed events include an “Animals Around the World” program, an under the sea puppet show, and a musical journey with drums from different regions of Africa. Registration begins June 1 and continues through July 31. library.folsom.ca.us
Celebrate the rich history of a local ghost town (located right here in El Dorado Hills!) at Clarksville Region Historical Society’s Clarksville Day on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about Clarksville life with living history displays, exhibits, and activities for the whole family, plus great food and live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. edhhistory.org/clarksville-days-2018.html
The hills around Folsom will be full of free-wheeling speed demons on May 18 for Stage 6 of the Amgen Tour of California—and it’s free to watch! This year’s field of competitors include green jersey-defender Peter Sagan, his fierce rival and Olympian Mark Cavendish, and German great Marcel Kittel. Don’t miss the excitement and festivities at the Stage 6 Men’s Race Start and Lifestyle Festival from 8-11 a.m. at Rodeo Park in Folsom. The race starts on the Johnny Cash Trail when the riders cross the stunning Robber’s Ravine Bridge and continue onto Green Valley Road to speed their way along the 123-mile route to the South Lake Tahoe finish. Spectators can get a close-up look at the professional cyclists as they warm up and prepare for the race. More information, refreshments, and activities at the on-site festival.
folsom.ca.us
Palladio at Broadstone is hosting a 13-week Summer Concert Series, beginning June 6 from 7-9 p.m. with headliner Wonderbread 5, a Sacramento favorite. The fun continues every Wednesday (no concert on July 4) through August 29 with bands like Take 2, When Doves Cry, Pop Fiction, Cheeseballs and many more. gopalladio.com/events
Spin your wheels! Kids can skate for free at Sunrise Rollerland in Citrus Heights and Roller King Skating Center in Roseville this summer thanks to a great national program! Registered kids will receive two free skating sessions every week, all summer long (age restrictions and available dates/times may vary; check center details when registering). kidsskatefree.com
Catch a movie under the stars at El Dorado Hills Town Center’s free Outdoor Movie Night on May 4 at Steven Young Amphitheater (weather permitting). Bring the family, some blankets and chairs, and watch Academy Award-winning Pixar movie Coco on a giant inflatable screen beginning at dusk. Complimentary popcorn, donated by Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills 14 and IMAX, will be served. edhtowncenter.com
Don’t miss El Dorado Hills CSD’s Saturday Night in the Park on September 8 from 5-9 p.m. at the Community Park. Enjoy live music, food, beer and wine tasting, a local business expo, bounce houses, and much more. edhcsd.org
El Dorado Hills Town Center turns red, white, and blue on July 3 for the annual Fireworks and Freedom Concert from 8- 11 p.m. Enjoy great live music, food trucks, and special vendors as you stroll the boulevard with the family; the Freedom Concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Steven Young Amphitheater and festivities close with a spectacular fireworks display. edhtowncenter.com
Find out how stuff works at the City of Folsom’s annual City Works Day on May 16 at Folsom City Lions Park from 9:30 a.m. till noon. At this free, all ages event, you can meet a Folsom Police K9 and mounted patrol horse, check out a fire engine and other heavy equipment, meet employees from a variety of city departments and learn about what they do, and participate in hands-on activities. folsom.ca.us
For some free family fun, come out to Historic Folsom’s Twilight Thursdays Concert Series beginning June 7 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and continuing every Thursday through summer. Grab dinner on Sutter Street or bring a picnic to enjoy during the concert. historicfolsom.org
Explore More
6 Fun-Filled Destinations
SAN FRANCISCO
SEE: Learn about the life of Walt Disney and see a stunning miniature model of Disneyland at the city’s hidden gem: the Walt Disney Family Museum. The current exhibit, Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane is on display through September 3 and showcases the talents of the legendary animator behind characters like Little Mermaid’s Ariel, the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Tarzan, and more. waltdisney.org
STAY: Catch your Zzzs at San Francisco’s recently opened Hotel VIA. Sited directly opposite AT&T Park (Giants game, anyone?), the boutique property boasts light, bright rooms; a rooftop bar/lounge; and personalized hospitality at every turn. hotelviasf.com
CALISTOGA
SEE: Check out California’s (smaller) natural wonder, Old Faithful Geyser of California, and maybe see a fainting goat or two! oldfaithfulgeyser.com
STAY: The Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is a dog- and kid-friendly, fun-filled, retro-chic retreat. Newly remodeled, it offers air stream concept-driven rooms, communal spaces, and geothermal-spring-fed mineral pools. calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com
LODI
SEE: There’s tons of hand-on science-y fun to be had for kids at Worlds of Wonder (WOW) Science Museum, including a Bubble Table, Lego Raceway, and converted Navy F-14 Tomcat flight simulator. wowsciencemuseum.org
STAY: No two rooms are exactly alike at Wine & Roses, but each one promises unique features and access to the fitness center and pool, discounted wine tasting at the Lodi Wine and Visitors Center, and more. winerose.com
SANTA ROSA
SEE: Giraffes roaming wild in Sonoma County? You bet! Zebras, rhinoceros, and cheetahs too! In total, the 400-acre Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to nearly 900 animals from over 90 unique species. safariwest.com
STAY: Glamp in luxurious tents onsite and fall asleep to the sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti. Imported from Botswana, each one features a private viewing deck, bathroom, and polished hardwood floors.
MENDOCINO
SEE: Take a history trip on the Skunk Train. Enjoy a cold beer from Anderson Valley Brewing Company while chugging through the redwoods over some of the first tracks laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885. Your guide will tell you how the train got its name plus regale you with stories of Mendocino Coast’s logging history. skunktrain.com
STAY: Splurge on a stay at the recently opened Inn at Newport Ranch. Built on some of the most spectacular coastal cliffs, enjoy a flawless, picturesque getaway. Featuring over a mile of oceanfront property, the accommodations are unique, private, and amazingly beautiful. Sneak in an ATV tour to the top of the ridges to complete your experience, followed by wine at the fire, and a communal, multi-course dinner. theinnatnewportranch.com
YOSEMITE
SEE: How does a weekend filled with hiking, guided meditation, guest speakers, sunset yoga in Yosemite National Park, and delicious healthy cuisine sound? On select weekends (May 4-6, August 24-25, and November 2-4), the experience can be yours at a Renewal Retreat. tenayalodge.com/spa/spa-retreats
STAY: Who says you have to rough it while in a national park? The AAA Four Diamond, newly renovated Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is the perfect basecamp to explore all that the national park has to offer. From plush beddings and deluxe baths, to multiple pools and spas, numerous dining options, a zipline course, and world-class spa, the resort is a destination in and of itself. tenayalodge.com
Summertime Delights:
Finds to Keep You Hydrated, Nourished, and Happy
4 Must-Try Cocktails
1.5 oz. Tanqueray Ten Gin
.5 oz. simple syrup
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
2 fresh strawberries
1 basil leaf
1 oz. soda water
Muddle strawberries and basil in mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients, shake, then add soda water to incorporate. Strain over fresh ice.
2) Freshy Zesty from Fat’s Asia Bistro, *2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133; 1500 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287, fatsasiabistro.com
.75 oz. Citron vodka
.75 oz. orange vodka
.5 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. triple sec
Squeeze of orange
Squeeze of lemon
Squeeze of lime
Splash of Sierra Mist
Mix all ingredients and serve over ice with a splash of Sierra Mist.
*Note: Not currently on the Folsom location’s menu,
but your bartender should be able to make it upon request
3) Spicy Pineapple Margarita from Folsom Tap House, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com
1.5 oz. tequila
.5 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. pineapple juice
.25 oz. simple syrup
Mix all ingredients and serve over ice with a salted rim; garnish with pineapple and a jalapeño.
4) Kentucky Buck from Folsom Tap House, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com
1.5 oz. Bulleit bourbon
.5 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 fresh strawberry, plus more for garnish
Lemon, for garnish
Muddle strawberry in mixing glass. Mix remaining ingredients and serve over ice; garnish with a strawberry and lemon.
5 Must-Try Local Wines
1) 2017 Buffalo Rosé–Sangiovese Rosé from Lone Buffalo Vineyards, 7505 Wise Road, Auburn, 530-823-1159, lonebuffalovineyards.comABV: 13.9%
Aged in stainless steel with a fruity strawberry and cherry character and delightfully dry finish
2) 2016 Sauvignon Blanc from C.G Di Arie Vineyard and Winery, 5200 Di Arie Road, Mt Aukum, 530-620-6500, cgdiarie.com
ABV: 13.9%
Crisp, clean, and exceptionally aromatic; distinctive tropical aromas with apple and pear flavors on the palate; firm body with an unusually long finish
3) Essential Red from Bogle Vineyards, 37783 County Road 144 Clarksburg, 916-744-1139, boglewinery.com
ABV: 13.5%
A blend of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah create a ripe, jammy, and juicy wine with richly textured fruit of dark berries and black plums; nuanced by flavors of juniper, dried herbs, spicy cedar, and hints of pipe tobacco and cocoa
4) 2016 Barbera from Boeger Winery, 1709 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-622-8094, boegerwinery.com
ABV: 14.8%
Mouthwatering and aromatic with luscious red fruit aromas of cherry and red currant; plush and full throughout with very soft tannins and a lingering acidity on the finish
5) 2016 Chardonnay from Lava Cap Winery, 2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville, 530-621-0175, lavacap.com
ABV: 14.5%
Elegant and full-bodied; zesty lemon and apple blossom aroma leads into pleasant apple and pear flavors with a rich piecrust finish
5 Must-Try Local Beers
1) Gilt Edge Lager from Ruhstaller, 726 K Street, Sacramento, 530-601-8240, ruhstallerbeer.comABV: 4.8%
Refreshing, flavorful, and reflective of the sunshine that makes Sacramento America’s farm-to-fork capital; made with 100-percent California-grown hops and barley
2) Hella Sun Munich Helles from Crooked Lane Brewing Company, 536 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, 530-878-5232, crookedlanebrewing.com
ABV: 5%
Slightly sweet with low noble hop aroma and flavor; crisp, slightly malty finish
3) Sabotage IPA from Outbreak Brewing Co., 640 Main Street, Placerville, 530-748-3258, outbreakbrewing.com
ABV: 6.7%
An easy-drinking West Coast-style IPA with a nice balance of pine and citrus aromatics and a subtle caramel malt flavor
4) Zulu Haze from Moonraker Brewing Co., 12970 Earhart Avenue, Suite 100, Auburn, 530-745-6816, moonrakerbrewing.com
ABV: 7%
New England-style IPA with an initial palate that’s fruity (melon, guava, citrus, and passion fruit), full-bodied, and creamy; the backend lends subtle hints of evergreen with a slight cracker bread finish
5) Joyrider IPA from Out of Bounds Brewing Company, locations in Folsom and Rocklin, outofboundsbrewing.com
ABV: 7%
A dose of Southern Hemisphere and Pacific Northwest hops create a complex yet refreshing beer that’s bursting with tropical flavors and citrus notes
Heirloom Cattle Bean Summer Salad
Reprinted with permission from blogger and Roseville resident Bella Karragiannidis of ful-filled.com
Note: If you cannot find cattle beans, you can substitute with
any other small bean (i.e., kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, etc.)
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. salt, divided
2 cloves garlic, divided
2 bay leaves
2 or 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/2 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 lb. fresh petite French green beans, blanched (or regular green beans cut into pieces—about 3” in length)
1 bulb fennel with fronds, bulb shaved and fronds reserved for garnish
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Rinse the beans and then soak them in a bowl with 8 cups of cold water and 1 tbsp. of salt. Soak overnight (mine soaked for about 12 hours). Drain soaking liquid from beans, add beans to a medium stockpot with plenty of water to cover them, 1 tsp. of salt, 1 clove of garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary. Bring beans to a simmer over medium heat, skim off any foam that accumulates on the surface, and then set heat to low and simmer beans for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are soft (make sure beans stay submerged the whole time). When beans are finished cooking, they should be soft and creamy on the inside. Drain beans from cooking water, remove garlic clove, bay leaves, and rosemary stems. Allow beans to cool to room temperature.
2. While the cattle beans cool, blanch your green beans, halve your cherry tomatoes, and shave the fennel, reserving about 1/2 cup of the fennel greens to be added to the salad.
3. Mince 1 clove of garlic (I use a microplane zester for this) and add to a small bowl with the juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, a pinch of salt and some fresh cracked black pepper. Whisk dressing until well combined.
4. Combine blanched green beans, cooled cattle beans, halved cherry tomatoes, shaved fennel, and dressing to a bowl. Chop the reserved fennel greens and add to salad bowl. Toss the salad until all of the ingredients are well coated in dressing. Enjoy immediately or for best results, cover and allow salad to marinate in the fridge for a day or two. Makes 4 servings.
Summer Vegetable “Panade” Casserole
Recipe by Courtney McDonald; reprinted with permission from PlacerGROWN, placergrown.org/category/recipes
1 loaf day-old crusty bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
2 large meaty tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced lengthwise
1/2 cup grated mozzarella or provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush with the olive oil, and toast until lightly browned. Remove from oven, reduce the temperature to 375°F, and set aside.
2. While bread is toasting, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed medium pot over medium heat. Add the green onions and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the milk and season very generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until milk is thickened completely, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Whisk in half of each grated cheese and set aside.
3. In the bottom of a large casserole dish, spoon a little of the cream sauce to coat. Add a single layer of the toasted bread slices and spoon the cream sauce over the top to cover. Add a layer of tomato slices, then a layer of zucchini and yellow squash. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, and spoon more of the cream sauce over top. Add another layer of the bread slices, then the vegetables, always coating with the cream sauce. You should end up with two layers of bread and two layers of vegetables. Top the casserole with the remaining cream sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in the hot oven until heated through and bubbling around the edges, about 25 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook until the top of casserole is nicely browned, about 2 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.
Summer Fruit Puff Pastry
Reprinted with permission from blogger and Folsom resident Sonya Keister of therusticfork.com
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 oz. mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on top
3 tbsp. peach (or other favorite) preserves
1 tsp. lemon zest and 2 tsp. lemon juice
1 medium peach, peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup cherries, stemmed and pitted and sliced in half
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the defrosted puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 10-inch square. Transfer to baking sheet and score the edge of the puff pastry and poke the inside of the square with a fork.
2. Combine the egg with a splash of water and whisk. Brush the top of the puff pastry with some of the egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the peach glaze by combining the peach preserves, lemon zest, and juice in a small saucepan over medium low until just melted. Strain and set aside.
4. Make the whip cream mixture by adding the heavy cream to the bowl of a standing mixer and whisking steadily. Then add in the powdered sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form. Add in the softened mascarpone cheese and mix until just combined.
5. Assemble by spreading the whip cream mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Then layer on the fruit and top with the peach glaze. Add powdered sugar just before serving.
Makes 4-6 servings.
Raspberry Lemon Muffins
Reprinted with permission from blogger and Folsom resident Glory Albin of glorioustreats.com
These sweet, tart, moist, and fluffy muffins are a perfect way to enjoy fresh summer raspberries.
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup sour cream)
2/3 cup oil (I use extra light olive oil)
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 1/4 cups fresh raspberries
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
2. In another large bowl combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not over-mix). Gently fold in fresh raspberries. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter, place muffins in the oven, and then REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 375°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
3. When the muffins have been baked, prepare glaze by simply whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
4. When the muffins are cool enough to hold, dip them in lemon glaze, then allow the glaze to set while the muffins finish cooling.
Makes 12-16 standard muffins.
Notes: Preheating the oven to 400° before baking will help the muffins rise quickly and get a nice domed top. Be sure to reduce the baking temperature to 375° for the remainder of the baking period. I made this recipe using fresh raspberries, so I’m not sure how frozen raspberries would work. Fresh blueberries, small blackberries, or a combination of fresh berries would work, too. Makes 12-16 muffins.
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Farmers’ Markets Historic Folsom Farmers’ Market
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Sunrise Station Certified Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Sunrise Light Rail Station parking lot (intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Sunrise Bouulevard), Rancho Cordova
WHEN: Saturday (year-round) from 8 a.m.-noon
El Dorado Hills Town Center Certified Farmers’ Market
WHERE: El Dorado Hills Town Center, El Dorado Hills Boulevard at Highway 50, El Dorado Hills
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