Certain items grab your attention right away, while others leave you in limbo, or even unaware, until a simple gesture peeks around the corner and leaps forth with an unanticipated surprise.

Garden fresh food flavors exhibit such characteristics.  Most of us have been reared with the all too familiar flavor compounds of supermarket purchased produce (while there are an unfortunate few who never ever experienced much in the way of fresh fruits and vegetable delight while growing up at all), and seem to be markedly surprised at the intense flavor burst to arise from the juicy tang of a home-grown tomato, picked and eaten straight off the vine, the heavenly bliss of a perfectly ripened peach, or the salivary sensation of sweet corn popped right off the cob.  There’s really nothing like it.  Berries, apples, beans, squash, onions…you name it.  The flavor peeks back with a surprising punch each and every time.

I am continuing to bask in the blessing of garden fresh gifts from friends this year.  Absent of my own garden once again, the genuine kindness of friends and families in their bounty of produce and amazing generosity feeds both my heart and soul.

A burst of freshness from lemon cucumbers and a bit of heat from garden red peppers makes this salad truly delightful.

Peek-a-Boo Lemon Cucumber Salad

2 cups fresh greens (baby kale, arugula, mixed greens)
2 large lemon cucumbers, chopped
1 large scallion (green onion), sliced diagonally
1 small spicy red pepper, thinly sliced
2 Tbs. Creamy Herb Dressing
sea salt and pepper

Toss everything together and consume immediately!