A weekend in produce paradise

By Carrie Wunsch, CBM (CSR Chief BlogMeister)

I just returned from the most wonderful trip to my hometown of Modesto (yes, I am from California please don’t hate me and I know it is scary to think Modesto could be wonderful). The highlight of the trip was a dinner party my dad had on Friday night. Not only was it catered by my good friend Jill Nevard, but the bulk of the ingredients came from dad’s garden.

The dinner consisted of fresh dug potatoes, fresh picked tomatoes, figs, peaches and herbs. The main dishes were halibut and beef tenderloin but the caprese salad and peach crisp stole the night. I can’t lie there may be nothing better then tomatoes from the central valley – they might be only thing I miss about being in Modesto.

Below is the entire menu from the fabulous garden dinner. I hope one day that I can half the culinary skills of Jill and that I just might find a tomato in Boulder that taste as good as ones I enjoyed over the weekend.

Appetizers
crostini with blue cheese and figs
bloody Mary shrimp served in Chinese soup spoons
homemade guacamole, salsa fresca and peach mango salsa with tortilla chips

Starter
Tomato, mozzarella and basil salad
Arugula and caramelized peach salad with sliced prosciutto and shaved pecorino

Main
Grilled quail with date relish
Grillled halibut with a cilantro, basil and mint pesto
Mixed grilled veggies with spicy breadcrumb
Summer farro salad with catalan dressing, topped with marcona almonds
Crispy fresh corn and polenta triangles

Dessert
Homemade sour cherry pie with almond whipped cream