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Independence Day has arrived and with it, plenty of goodies to barbecue and fruits to transform into pies, cobblers, and even that flag cake that somebody at the block party inevitably makes. All your favorite farmer’s markets are happening on schedule this weekend, ready to fuel the party. For the moment, cherries are still going strong, so even if there aren’t local watermelons yet you can still have a holiday with a spitting contest of some Kind. Best of all, whether you spend your weekend down the shore or in the city, this is the time of year when you scarcely need to cook. Just cut up the vegetables, make a dip, grill a few things, and above all, enjoy your holiday.
Peaches - Oh yes, my friends. Break out the paper towels because the local peaches made their debut at market last weekend, along with a few apricots and pluots as well. Expect these early ones to be the “clingstone” variety, where the flesh clings to the pit. They’re just as delicious, but more difficult to cut into neat wedges for pies or tarts. Freestone peaches will appear in a few weeks.