Maple Sugaring

It's a Maple Sugar Harvest. Visit a family farm in Vermont and discover the art of making maple syrup. You'll learn how to tap trees, gather the sap and refine the syrup as you sleigh through the beautiful forest. Plus, discover how to make homemade maple candy.

Italian Home Cooking

Discover the secrets for authentic southern Italian cooking, with a tour of one of New York's oldest Italian markets. Plus, learn Patty Beebout's tips and techniques for canning tomatoes and much more.

Pennsylvania Is Known for Peaches

Did you know the state that produces the most peaches per year isn't even in the American South? In fact Pennsylvania is one of the largest domestic producers of this summertime fruit. (New Jersey comes in a close second.) The center of Pennsylvania's peach-growing industry is located along the state's southern border, primarily York and Adams counties. In fact, a famous skirmish of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War took place on a site known as the Sherfy Peach Orchard.

In Pennsylvania, the warm summer months coax dozens of peaches to perfection, even though September marks the official peak of the peach season. It's worth making a trip to the state to pick your own from the dozens of orchards that dot the southern end of the state. But even if you can't make it to Pennsylvania, you can still enjoy the juicy goodness of peaches where you live thanks to local farm markets and produce stands. The peaches you find at these places will most likely be sweeter than the ones you find in grocery outlets. Plus, it's also a good idea to support your local farmers who bring us this fresh seasonal produce.

There's a few points you should consider before buying peaches. When selecting peaches, be sure to look for a creamy, yellow color on the skin; the red blush marks are not true signs of ripeness. The flesh of the peach should be firm, but not hard to the touch. Avoid any peaches that have soft spots or greenish spots on the skin. Peaches can be safely stored in the refrigerator inside a plastic bag in the crisper, but to enjoy their full juicy flavor, let them sit out at room temperature before serving.

Arthur Avenue

Tour one of New York's oldest Italian markets for the freshest produce and food products.

Freshness is everything when it comes to canning tomatoes. One of the most important decisions to make when you're canning is selecting the finest tomatoes. Farm stands and local produce markets are good places to visit, but if you ever have the opportunity to visit New York City, you may want to check out the Arthur Avenue Market in the Bronx, New York. There you'll find purveyors selling the ripest, meatiest and most flavorful tomatoes in perhaps all of New York City.

Constructed in 1940 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia under the guidance of the city's Public Works Department, the market has become renowned in the city. For over seven decades, the people of New York have come to this marketplace where hundreds of Italian businesses operate in just a few city blocks. Arthur Avenue is probably one of the only spots in New York where you can still find freshly made mozzarella cheese. You will also discover fresh meats and vegetables, homemade prosciutto and aged Parmesan cheese.

SOURCES
Tomatoes, basil, and rosemary
Garden of Plenty

Tomatoes
Rosa's Fruits & Vegetables
718-364-3548

Chicken
Peter's Meat Market
718-367-3136

Olive oil

Mike & Son's Delicatessen
718-295-5033

Oregano
Mount Carmel Gourmet Foods
718-933-2295

Peppers and mushrooms
Bolano's Fruits
718-220-0346

The Arthur Avenue Market
2344 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458

Salute to Food of New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina devastated the people and land of New Orleans. With thousands of its citizens still dealing with the loss of family members and property, it's difficult to contemplate the sheer enormity of this tragedy for those of us who have not been directly impacted by the devastation and destruction.

While Hurricane Katrina may have taken its toll on human lives and property, one aspect it failed to take away is the incredible spirit of determination and the rich cultural history of the inhabitants who have called New Orleans home for decades. Part of this cultural heritage is the unique cuisine of this region.

At Suite101.com, I featured recipes for some great Southern favorites, such as Beignets, Grits, and many other Cajun-style specialties, in a special "Salute to the Food of New Orleans with delicious recipes for Beignets and Baked Cheese Grits.

But first, you'll find below a great recipe for Southern-style Cafe Au Lait.

Cafe Au Lait
MAKES 12 SERVINGS

• 1 cup ground coffee with chicory
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups light cream or milk

Using coffee with chicory and water, prepare the coffee according to your coffeemaker's directions. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the light cream or milk over low heat. Transfer the heated cream or milk to a bowl and either beat by hand with a large balloon whisk or in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until the cream or milk is foamy. Transfer the cream or milk to a warmed serving container. Stir the coffee; pour the coffee and cream or milk in equal amounts into serving cups.