The King of Taste

Garlic.
It's what chefs use when they can't get ramps. And, unlike ramps, garlic will last for months when stored on a hanging braid, a useful decoration for any kitchen. This year's crop is now available at the Market.

Garlic works with food like mortar works with cement blocks. The zesty flavor of fresh-sliced garlic holds a meal together. Garlic adds spice to a wide range of dishes from cold salads to hot fried squash.

Easy breakfast: Cook chopped garlic and onions in a little butter. Add a couple scrambled eggs. Cook until the eggs are almost done, toss in a handful of chopped tomatoes and fold in half. A good, and good for you, meal in 10 minutes.

Whole-garden salads are another surprisingly tasty meal. Contrary to popular opinion, a great salad does not have to start with lettuce. All you need is garden-fresh vegetables from The Market. The more variety the better.

Chunks of cucumbers, beans, sweet peppers, squash and tomatoes, some fresh herbs and a little of your favorite dressing make a dish full of new flavors and textures.

"Chicken Whisperer" Maxine Shearer answered all our fowl-related questions at last Saturday's Market. Including, "why did the chicken cross the road?"

We had no idea chickens were that creative!

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