Nothing gets my culinary juices flowing more than browsing through the fresh fruit and vegetables sections under tents at my local farmers’ market.  This time of year I am especially drawn to the vibrant colors and varied textures of the early fall harvest.

Whether I am walking through the smallest farmers’ market in a library parking lot or wandering through the vast expanse of the Union Square Green Market in Lower Manhattan, these showcases of nature’s latest and greatest inspire menus and set my taste buds whirling.