Dive into a Sea of Good Summer Food

By Bonny Wolf

Published May 26, 2006 at 3:45 PM EDT

This time of year, many people try to eat less to fit into their swimsuits. I try to eat more.

Summer is the eating season. There's no better time to eat locally and seasonally, which today is compulsory. Gorgeous fruits and vegetables spill out of the stalls at farmers markets. Crabs and oysters are pulled from the waters. There are barbecues and picnics. Life slows down and it's important to have the right food while you're braking.

Cookbooks can help. Plus, there are gorgeous color photographs.

I'm always looking for dishes that are easy but look hard, that keep you out of the kitchen but still make your friends feel special.

So I turn to authors such as Pam Anderson and Ina Garten.

Bonny Wolf

NPR commentator Bonny Wolf grew up in Minnesota and has worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers in New Jersey and Texas. She taught journalism at Texas A&M University where she encouraged her student, Lyle Lovett, to give up music and get a real job. Wolf gives better advice about cooking and eating, and contributes her monthly food essay to NPR's award-winning Weekend Edition Sunday. She is also a contributing editor to "Kitchen Window," NPR's Web-only, weekly food column.

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