Hi friends,

September might be my favorite month at the farmers' market.

One minute you're filling your bag with sweet corn, zucchini, and colorful peppers, and the next you're spotting the first signs of fall around every corner. I love that little overlap between seasons, so instead of rushing into pumpkin everything, I'm making the most of summer's final encore while it's still here.

If I were shopping this week, these are the ingredients I'd be bringing home.

🌽 Sweet Corn

Fresh sweet corn only has a short season, so I try to make the most of it while I can. It brings just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to late-summer meals.

Featured Recipe: Fresh Mango Corn Salsa — Sweet corn, juicy mango, peppers, lime, and cilantro come together in a colorful salsa that's just as happy beside grilled chicken or fish as it is scooped up with tortilla chips.

🥦 Broccolini

Broccolini is one of those vegetables I can't resist when I see it at the market. It cooks quickly, has a naturally sweet, mild flavor, and feels just a little more special than everyday broccoli.

Featured Recipe: Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan — Finished with fresh lemon, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts, this is one of my favorite restaurant-inspired sides for everything from grilled steak to pasta and roasted chicken.

🫑 Bell Peppers & 🥒 Zucchini

Late summer vegetables don't need much to shine. A little olive oil, a hot oven, and fresh herbs are often all it takes.

Featured Recipe: Italian-Style Roasted Vegetables — If my market basket is overflowing with peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, this is usually where they end up. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, creating a colorful side dish that's just as delicious fresh from the oven as it is enjoyed for lunch the next day.

🥒 One More Zucchini Recipe Before the Season Ends

I can never resist squeezing in one last zucchini recipe before autumn takes over.

Grilled Squash & Zucchini with Lemon Basil Drizzle — Lightly charred squash and zucchini are finished with a bright lemon basil drizzle and crumbled feta for a simple side that captures everything I love about late summer cooking.

What's the one ingredient you can't leave the farmers' market without this time of year? Hit reply and let me know—I always enjoy hearing what's inspiring your kitchen.

And if one of these recipes makes it to your table, I'd love for you to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a quick comment on the recipe. It helps more readers discover Maplevine Kitchen, and it's one of the best ways you can support my work.

Happy Cooking!

Stay tuned and be sure to follow us for more simple seasonal recipes with a little bit of fancy!

Stay Connected

​​​