The flavors of late summer in a bowl.

As I write this post, I’m thinking about the pile of bags and boxes that is growing under my stairs, as my daughter is packing to head to her sophomore year of college. Like many other parents, this time of year revolves around back to school. For me not only is it back to school time, it’s also return to empty nest time. I find the empty nest to be curiously bittersweet. I miss having the kids home, chatting with them about the tiniest of things, but I also enjoy the time alone with my hubby. It’s kind of like we’re newly dating again.

Although the summer is winding down in the educational world, it still is peaking for New Hampshire produce. End of August and early September are prime times to visit the local farm, as there is so much available. Corn on the cob, tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, and peaches, plus apples and some of the winter squash are all freshly picked. With the temps cooling down in the evenings, it’s the perfect time to cook what is fresh and local.

For me, my two favorite local produce items are corn and tomatoes. In fact, if I can’t get them locally, I usually won’t buy them. Having spent most of my childhood in a farm town, I grew up eating these veggies seasonally. When you compare tomatoes and corn that have been shipped for miles and days, their flavors can’t compare to the local stuff.

So, this week’s flashback pays homage to these pieces of produce in one simple dish. Sweet Corn & Tomato Salad is flavorful and bright. It makes a fine side for almost any grilled meat and also could work as a different spin on salsa. If you’re a hardcore fan of corn and tomatoes, you could make this salad into your entrée. No matter how you serve this dish, just do it before the local produce is gone.