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Ripe, Red and Ravishing - Tomatoes for Summer
Fresh tomatoes mean just off the vine in your backyard. Warm, juicy tomatoes, full of flavor, sweet and tart, the brightest red color you've ever seen. They're no relation to those woolly things you see in supermarkets in the winter! I feel it's a moral responsibility for us to eat as many of these succulent fruits as possible in the summer months. They are wonderful eaten out of hand, sprinkled with salt and pepper, drizzled with a simple olive oil and basil dressing, or layered with fresh mozzarella and herbs. But that's only the beginning! There are some recipes meant only to be made in summer because the texture and flavor of really ripe tomatoes are essential to the success of the recipe. These recipes highlight the ripe tomato essence, making the food dance and sing in your mouth.
If you're lucky enough to have your own garden, the tomatoes are probably ripening now. Choose tomatoes that are really red and smooth. If you press them very lightly, the skin should seem thin and fragile, and the tomato should give a little, yet feel full and rounded. Never store your tomatoes in the refrigerator. It dulls the flavor and changes the texture. Set them on your kitchen windowsill; they are a beautiful accent and will be eaten by anyone who sees them! To peel a tomato, simply immerse in boiling water for just a few seconds. The skin will begin to split, and the peel will just slip off. Seeding a tomato is really easy. Just cut in half and squeeze out the seeds - or scoop out the seeds with your fingers. Tearing fresh basil with your fingers. If you cut basil, it will darken and won't be as pretty.
Any of the following recipes can be added to a simple grilled steak and an ice cream sundae buffet for a fabulous meal that will be remembered for a long time. Or if you are really obsessed, you can make an entire meal out of tomatoes - appetizer, salad, main course, hot vegetable or even a recipe for a chocolate cake made with tomatoes... 1) SMOKEY TOMATO SALAD 4 medium tomatoes, diced Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and season to taste. 2) Tomato Mango Salad
Slice tomatoes and mango into 1/2" pieces. Arrange mango and tomato slices on a plate. Combine the remaining ingredients until mixed. Drizzle the dressing over the fruits and serve. Serves 4 3) Fresh Tomato Pie 1 9-inch pie crust
Serves 4-6 compiled from web sources
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If you seem to spend all year long waiting for fresh, wonderful, summer tomatoes it is time to celebrate! They are finally coming into season. Celebrate this occasion with some wonderful recipes, hints and tips:
By adding fresh tomatoes to entertaining recipes, you are really treating your guests well. Offering a special summer recipe on your patio, porch or deck is a thoughtful gesture - one to remember during the fall and winter months to come.
4 ripe tomatoes
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake crust 5 minutes and remove from oven. Reduce heat to 400 degrees. Line piecrust with tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, basil and chives. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and cheese and mix well. Carefully spread the mayonnaise mixture over the tomatoes slices, sealing mayonnaise mixture to the edges of the pie crust. Bake 30-35 minutes until topping bubbles and begins to brown. Serve immediately.
