Ever really need to be in the company of a dear friend, but, through a combination of lack of time and inspiration to put together an offering of worthy nibbles and libation, it seems out of reach?  Well, I found myself in that predicament last week.  If you have read my blog before, you are aware that I am a huge proponent of dishes made with products from our local farmers’ market, but sometimes a girl must do what a girl must do: namely, embrace compromise as a viable solution to a dilemma.

After successfully persuading my dear friend Vicky to make the half-hour drive from her abode to mine (a relaxing poolside evening is a powerful temptation), I embarked on a determined look through the fridge and pantry, convinced that I could assemble several satisfying snacks worthy of her presence and palate.  This task was made even more challenging because she had graciously offered to contribute her AMAZING pimento cheese to our spur-of-the-moment visit. 

Fortunately, luck was on my side, and I was able to pull together what turned out to be a tasty and colorful array of ingredients from both the Farmers’ Market and the grocery store.

Cubed cantaloupe (Farmers’ Market) with mint from my herb garden
Apricots (Grocery Store) with goat cheese (Farmers’ Market)
White bean (Grocery Store) dip with basil (Farmers’ Market) pesto
Tortilla wedges (Grocery Store tortillas, baked at home)
Seeded crackers (Grocery Store)
Celery sticks (Farmers’ Market)
Pimento cheese (Vicky’s sublime, divine and addicting concoction)
Sauvignon Blanc  (Grocery Store via CA)

Cheers to the blessings of good friends!

I hope this will inspire you to celebrate friendships and spur-of-the-moment get-togethers!  You’ll be prepared with a fridge full of seasonal items from the Farmers’ Markets and a pantry well stocked with versatile staples from the grocery store.

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