As Jo mentioned a couple weeks ago, I love tomatoes. After several years of half-hearted attempts to grow tomato plants at home that resulted in only a couple of red goodies, I’ve finally hit the mother lode this year. I planted three different varieties in rich soil and full sun, and dedicated myself to keeping them watered. As a result, I’ve literally had hundreds of tomatoes, and it’s been pure bliss. (For me, anyway. Jo won’t come near them!)
My favorites are the Brandywine variety, which are wonderful and sweet. They are gigantic and I’ve only gotten a few, but they are worth it. My second favorite is the red cherry tomatoes, which of course everybody loves. The other variety is the yellow pear tomato. The tiny teardrop-shaped tomatoes are adorable, but their taste leaves a little to be desired.
Last weekend I gathered up all the cherry tomatoes I had and used them to create a fresh tomato salad to share with friends at a picnic lunch. It was really simple to throw together. I sliced the tomatoes in half and mixed them with lots of fresh basil, thinly sliced red onions, and feta cheese. I topped it with a quick homemade vinaigrette and gave it a stir. It was so tasty it almost didn’t make it to the picnic!
With the tomato harvest in full swing these days, a lot of folks are up to their ears in tomatoes. I’m going to try to make a “yellow pear tomato jam” soon with the bounty of yellows I have. Do any of you have any fun new recipes or canning ideas to share?
6 comments so far:
It was really YUMMY!!!!! I am glad it made it to the picnic. Thanks for sharing! Care to share the homemade vinaigrette recipe too?
Thanks, Christy. I don’t usually measure when making a vinaigrette, but here’s my guess at what went into it
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp brown mustard
1 tbsp honey
salt and pepper to taste
Put all vinaigrette ingredients in a plastic bowl with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for about a minute. Then pour over the tomatoes and enjoy!
I absolutely love tomatoes and this salad sounds great. I usually roast mine with s&p, sliced onions and olive oil. Tossed with pasta for a great dinner but only half of those goodies make it to the pasta.
I totally agree with you, Kriscake. Roasted tomatoes are awesome!
I have to admit, Chica made something delicious with her crazy tomatoes. She made a tomato jam that was absolutely delicious smothered on top of cream cheese on top of toasted french bread. I take back most of the snide remarks I have made about your tomato obsession this season.