Tuesday, July 21, 2009

heirloom tomatoes are amazing

This isn't really a recipe, so much as a hope to inspire. It is so simple and it has been my new addiction this summer when it's hot outside and I need something fresh and light. Or when I've eaten 12 brownies in a row and need to make myself feel better. 

If you haven't had heirloom tomatoes before, I really think you ought to try them. They are delicious - every one that I have had tastes like it came fresh from the garden, rather than the produce department. If you don't want to venture into that realm, you can use the tomatoes of your choice - no judgement.

Here's what you need:
2 large heirloom tomatoes
7-8 fresh basil leaves
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. good balsalmic vinegar
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper

Slice the tomatoes about 1/4" thick. Place evenly around your platter, along with the basil leaves.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper (I like pepper, so I use kind of a lot). Drizzle with oil and vinegar.  

Last night I made this to go along with our barbecued chicken breasts and roasted red potatoes, and I let it sit out for about 30 minutes before dinner so the flavors could sort of meld. It was the perfect summer evening side.  

So, try it!  And if you have some tomatoes starting to ripen in your garden, even better. Mmmmm, I think I know what I am having for lunch.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

This is how I like my tomatoes, too! Something about basil and balsamic together on a ripe homegrown tomato...PERFECT!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

This used to be the only way I'd eat tomatoes - we are renting a house that came complete with a small garden and we've been tomato obsessed ever since I made this for my boyfriend - it's amazing!

thamesarino said...

hey there lady! I was just wondering how you have been doing. You have crossed my mind often in the last month or so...I hope that you and your family are all doing well!
I finished our last garden tomato this week and had to buy one at the store yesterday. It was a complete waste of time and money to buy... because it tasted nothing like a "good" tomato, which just made me wish I hadn't tasted it at all. I wish we had heirloom tomatoes here in my store... but I've never seen them unless I have had a huge crop at home at the time... isn't that always the way! : )