Summer ushers in the pleasure of fresh vegetables, and this season, I'm back on Long Island enjoying my friend's vegetable garden in Mattituck, which has provided us with this year's initial eggplant harvest. Mattituck's climate is perfect for growing eggplants as the mix of warm days and cool nights help them develop a rich color and tender texture. Picking these shiny gems is always exciting but coming up with a straightforward delicious summer eggplant recipe was truly rew

As the summer heat approaches, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to help you beat the heat. One of my favorites is a delightful combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all elevated by the freshness of basil and mint.