We all know what seasons are and the changes they bring, whether you live in milder climates or an area that you can really experience the changes and colors each season has to offer, foods have seasons as well. You may be lucky enough to live somewhere that you can find most fruits and vegetables year round, this doesn't mean that they will taste as good as when something is in season. The taste, quality and price are all indicators that certain produce is not in season, or you can ask your grocer about what is in season. There are some obvious ones, fall brings us apples, pears, root veggies, grapes, pomegranates, pumpkins, cranberries, squashes... Winter brings us more squashes, spinach, good citrus fruits, leafy greens, Kiwi, dates.... Spring feels would be asparagus, strawberries, artichokes, apricots, arugula, scallions, cherries, pineapple, garlic...Summer gives us tomatoes, peaches, corn on the cob, watermelon, avocados, blueberries, melons, raspberries, bell peppers, plums...
There are so many of these fruits and vegetables we have access to all the time, potatoes aren't difficult to come by, onions, citrus, garlic, lettuces, apples, too many to list but you get my point. Challenge yourself each season and choose to eat more of the produce that the season brings in abundance, look up recipes, create some different things to do with them. They will also be richer in flavor and nutrients, harvested at just the right time loaded with vitamins and minerals to nourish your body. I have bitten down on a beautiful blueberry that was bursting with a sweet tart taste, making my mouth pucker and wanting more. I have also bitten into a blueberry that tasted like dirt! In season and not in season, makes a difference. Get educated, look up what the seasons will bring you, ask your grocer, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Savor the flavor and savor the season.
Sweet Potato Chips (there are so many different ways to do these, I grilled mine but they can be baked, fried or air fried)
Ingredients:
1-2 large sweet potatoes (depends on how many you want to make)
2 tbsp olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil
1/2 tsp salt or more
1/4 tsp pepper or more
a pinch of cayenne
Cumin (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees or grill
Thinly slice your potatoes, using a knife or mandolin
Place potato slices into a bowl with your oil (you might want to add oil 1 tbsp at a time depending on how many slices you have, too much oil will make them softer) and seasonings and stir to coat well.
Spread the seasoned slices out on a parchment lined baking sheet, make sure they don't overlap. Bake 20 minutes and turn each chip, then bake for another 15-20 minutes.
*If grilling, using tongs place each chip on the grill, turning every 5 minutes or so. Grill until they are done to your liking, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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