Just in

        • At Dry Ridge Outlet Center: Beginning Saturday at 10 a.m., Grant County farmers will sell fresh fruit, vegetables and bedding plants in the parking lot of this shopping center (exit 159 off I-75 about 45 minutes south of downtown). As a cooperative venture, the growers will sell produce beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays for the rest of the season. Information: (859) 824-9516.

        • At newsstands: The July/August issue of Saveur celebrates the art of ice cream with a look at the gelato of Sicily and other frozen confections from around the world ($5). And July's Cooking Light offers recipes for strawberry-buttermilk, wild blueberry and other reduced-fat gelati ($3.95).

Market scan

        The two most widely marketed avocado varieties are the pebbly textured, almost black Haas and the green Fuerte, which has a thin, smooth skin. Select unblemished avocados that are heavy for their size. To speed ripening, place in paper bag at room temperature two to four days. After they ripen, avocados can be refrigerated for several days. To prevent darkening, add cubed or sliced avocado to dishes at the last minute, or add lemon or lime juice. Despite what many believe, burying the avocado pit in guacamole will not prevent discoloration.

        Allagash Double Ale ($7.49/ 6-pack): Allagash is a small craft brewery in Portland, Maine, producing absolutely marvelous Belgian-style beers. Their Double Ale is a perfect introduction to Belgian beer: mild enough for a beginner, yet spicy enough for the most jaded aficionado. Dark, malty and delicious.

Web grazing

        Find the latest grill gadgets, rubs, sauces and something called the “BBQ Brella” — a 6-foot umbrella to shelter grillers from sun and rain ($49.95) — at grilllovers.com.

Hot date

        Madhu Gadia, author of New Indian Home Cooking (H.P. Books; $16.95) helps the Culinary Collector's Society celebrate its first anniversary by leading a discussion 7 p.m. Mondayat Maya's European Pastry Shop, 9749 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash. Free for members; $10 for non-members. Reservations: 557-3804.

Hard lesson in soft-serve
Smart mouth
Test your Independence IQ
Figuring out fuzzy thinking
Strawberry fruit dip adds cool flavors
Top ice cream with homemade sauces
Body & mind
Secrets
Get to it