You Say Tomato…

I say tomato.

My little one, Conor, adores tomatoes.  I have never seen anyone eat them with such gusto.  I will be cutting some heirloom tomatoes to put on salads or fresh roma to toss with basil and olive oil and he will eat them quicker than I can cut them.  It is amazing.  Our dog, Poppy, also loves them.  She will sit by the island quietly waiting for her share.  But you know toddlers, not the best sharers.

Conor eating in Italy.

Have you been enjoying summer’s ripe fruits in your homes?  Tomatoes are in abundance at the farmers’ markets and in gardens.  If you are looking for some great recipes.  I have you covered.

In our farm share last week with Sweet Georgia P’s we got Tomatillos (known as tomato verde in Mexico – green tomato).  I’ve never had them before and they were delicious with a very strong tomato flavor.  Here is Georgia P’s recipe for Salsa Verde which is great on chicken, omelettes, quesadillas, tortillas:

Ingredients:

1 pound tomatillos, husked  1/2 cup finely chopped onion  1 teaspoon minced garlic  1 serrano chile peppers, minced  2 tablespoons chopped cilantro  1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano  1/2 teaspoon ground cumin  1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste  2 cups water Instructions: Place tomatillos, onion, garlic, and chile pepper into a saucepan. Season with cilantro, oregano, cumin, and salt; pour in water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the tomatillos are soft, 10 to 15 minutes.  Using a blender, carefully puree the tomatillos and water in batches until smooth. Another great salsa recipe is by Giada De Laurentiis.  One of my absolute favorite chefs.  I love her spicy tomato salsa as does the rest of my family.  It is full of flavor with the cilantro, garlic and the sweetness of orange juice.  This salsa is not only great on chips, but also on chicken, steak, eggs and quesadillas.   Spicy Tomato Salsa and Sweet Georgia P’s Salsa Verde Caprese Salad with its bursting flavor is perfect for a summer meal.  I love it paired with grilled chicken or pork hot of the grill.  We have herbs growing on the deck so I have the kids help me pick and tear the basil to put on the salad.  I love Giada’s caprese salad.  The lemon is so great in it and I love how she uses all different kinds of tomatoes.  Great if you have a surplus in your garden!

If you love tomatoes like my Conor, you may be interested in an event planned at one of my favorite places in Scituate, The Roman Table.  The Roman Table and Sweet Georgia P’s are pairing up to have a tomato tasting on September 2nd at 6.30pm.  12 varieties of tomatoes will be featured along with some amazing and mouthwatering Roman Table vinegars and oils all from Italia!  We will be there.  Hopefully, Conor doesn’t eat them all before everyone else gets there.


PS The oil cloth tablecloth in photos is from The Roman Table – really great for all the spills my guys have on the table!