Who doesn’t appreciate the special joy of indulging in ripe, juicy, and flavorful tomatoes during the summer season? Summer tomatoes are highly anticipated by many food enthusiasts because they tend to be at their peak of sweetness and flavor. The warmth of the summer sun seems to infuse these tomatoes with an extra burst of...Read More
This is a dish that is great for dinner “emergencies,” like when you are too tired to shop, want something easy, and something really good. All the ingredients can come out of the pantry or are staples, and this dish comes together quickly. You can use fresh tomatoes if you wish (slightly over-ripe ones work...Read More
If you haven’t discovered the spectacular, intense flavor of organically grown, dry-farmed tomatoes, now is the time to give them a try! These tomatoes are a late summer favorite and available at the Aptos Farmers Market from mid-August until late fall. The buttery herb-flavored crust of this tart is the perfect foil for the melted...Read More
Here’s an inexpensive, traditional Southern dish to show off those flavorful late summer tomatoes you just discovered at the farmers market. Think of this like quiche or a savory tart and enjoy a small slice of tomato pie with a healthy salad and a big glass of iced tea! INGREDIENTS: One 9-inch deep dish pie...Read More
Not a true jam, but a savory condiment made from various vegetables that can be used as a topping, sauce enhancer, dip, or a spread for sandwiches. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 brown onion, peeled and finely diced 4-5 medium sweet red peppers, grilled, peeled, and seeded 3-4 Hungarian peppers, grilled, peeled, and seeded 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled,...Read More
Gazpacho immediately comes to mind when the late summer harvests of ripe dry-farmed tomatoes, colorful peppers, and herbs are available in an abundance farmers’ markets. Originally a popular soup from the Andalusia region of Spain, ‘gazpacho’ has become a generic term for any cold soup served cold that has a vegetable or fruit base. My...Read More
This is my version of the infamous Caprese Salad. The traditional recipe calls for tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella, but I find that tomatoes are so sweet these days, and the mozzarella is equally sweet and similar in texture that they do not make a perfect foil for each other. Some recipes call for a...Read More
This savory tart features summer tomatoes at their best and is delicious and served warm or at room temperature. The recipe below makes two large tarts or one half sheet pan. Any leftovers warm beautifully for lunch the next day. Serve with a side salad and a glass of chilled white wine. INGREDIENTS: For Pastry:...Read More