Let’s talk tomatoes
A few miniatures may have trickled through the market previously, but last week truly began tomato season. Madura Farms field tomatoes are back! I grew up on field tomatoes and doesn't really feel like summer until I’ve had my first tomato sandwich. Bien Cuit ciabatta or Wave Hill brioche, generously slathered with mayonnaise and sea salted sliced tomato. I could eat this daily until the local ones disappear.
Here are a few more of my favorite ways to enjoy tomatoes.
Chop an 8 ounce round of brie into inch squares and let sit at room temperature for about an hour. Cook a package of your favorite pasta, La Trafila’s unfilled varieties would be perfect for this. Toss together the brie, pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, some Arlotta Food Studio's basil-infused oil and chopped fresh basil.
This easy, fondue-like appetizer is tasty and impressive. Buy a boule, (that’s French for round loaf), from Wave Hill or Bien Cuit. Cut out a circle in the top slightly larger than an 8 ounce round of brie. Remove bread about 2/3 way to bottom crust. Drizzle bottom crust with 4E Farm chimichurri, Arlotta Food Studio olive oil, or Joe Mozzarella pesto. Place brie inside boule, top with cherry or diced tomato and another drizzle of chimichurri, olive oil or pesto. Bake on sheet pan at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes, or until brie is melted. Serve with chunks of the bread you initially removed and crudités for dipping.
Looking for something different in the heat? Giada De Laurentiis offers this interesting take on caprese.
Have you been craving a lobster roll but a trip to Maine isn’t on your agenda? Check Pura Vida for some lobster salad or plain steamed meat, if the Connecticut version is more your style. Then grab those brioche buns.
Hudson Valley Fisheries is back for their monthly appearance. Try brushing their fillets with a blend of Asian Farmer miso and FarmEats maple syrup before grilling or baking. Asian Farmer’s miso also makes a great soup base with their dumplings or noodles and an assortment of market greens. This Spicy Miso Pasta is another recipe that looks interesting.
Not to forget dessert! The beautiful array of fresh fruit now available makes a superb fruit salad; try adding some chopped fresh mint and/or basil. Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe cookies or one of their local fruit crostatas are always welcomed treats. Charlotte’s Home Kitchen also returns with her unique and enticing flavor combinations; this week pear & peony cake with a deliciously light elderflower icing.
Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who gets an extra day to your weekend. Regardless, enjoy these beautiful summer days and time spent with family and friends. As you contemplate Independence Day and our current state of affairs, I leave you with this Margaret B. Moss quote,
“The only thing any one person can do about evil and hate is to be, each of us, our own best example of humanity and loving kindness, a beacon, and carry this light wherever we go. And in this way, collectively… maybe…we can bring more light into this world.”
See you on Sunday!
