"SWEET SWEET GOODEATING PEACHES!" proclaims the hand-lettered sign propped against baskets piled with pyramids of fragrant fruit. But you can smell the sweetness before you're close enough to read the words. I can't resist. I give the girl a few folded bills and carefully stack a basket of the fresh peaches in my bag next to a small watermelon, a sack of wax beans, and a plastic box full of strawberries.

I love the spontaneity as I walk through--and a farmers' market is a pedestrian experience. As you walk, you round out your menu. Young cucumbers, unwaxed, and bunches of Christmas-red radishes inspire a sandwich of fresh salad vegetables and shrimp. Summer's abundance of yellow squash and zucchini will simmer with chicken in a light ragout. Red potatoes and green beans will put a spin on a potato salad seasoned with fresh basil and tomatoes. The yellow peppers and Yukon gold potatoes will blend in a golden soup.

But now I can't wait to get home with those irresistible peaches. My imagination is way ahead of me: Tonight they'll be the piece de resistance poached in vanilla and topped with strawberry preserves. And next weekend I'll be back for more.

Menu 1
Yellow-Pepper Soup
Green Bean-and-Tomato Salad With Roasted Tomato Dressing
Farmer's Market Chicken
Vanilla Poached Peaches

Menu 2
Cool-as-a-Cucumber Shrimp Sandwich
Herbed Potato Salad With Green Beans and Tomatoes
Strawberry-Orange Melange
Raspberry Lemonade