Greetings!
When I think of summer food I always think of produce.
Gardens are full to overflowing right now with tomatoes, zucchini, peaches,
blueberries and corn. Neighbors are leaving them on each other's porches and
running because they have too many to use.
If you're not lucky enough to have your own garden (or a
neighbor who does) visit your local Farmer's Market. Most towns have one.
Here are some ideas to help you put that wonderful, healthy
produce to good use.
Happy Summer!
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Tomatoes: 14 variations on a Summer Classic...
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There is no finer example of versatility than the good ol' Tomato! From Spaghetti to Salsa to BLTs this fruit (or is it a vegetable?) is a real staple and treat to boot!
Borrowed from the Florida Tomato Committee here are 14 Tantalizing uses for fresh tomatoes...
TOMATOES NAPOLEON Cut peeled tomatoes into four crosswise slices. Layer with marscapone spiked with fresh dill and slivered smoked salmon. Serve on greens with toasts.
TOMATO TARTAR Season chopped, seeded tomatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, capers, minced fresh basil, nicoise olives and onion. Serve on endive; use as a dip, or as a topping for crostini, steamed fish or baked potatoes.
FRESH TOMATO SALAD PIZZA Top pizza dough with Fontina and Parmesan cheese: bake until cheese melts and crust is golden. Top with sliced tomatoes, salad greens, sliced green olives and a drizzle of dressing.
FLORIDA TOMATO TOAST Spread mayonnaise onto bread slices then place thinly sliced tomatoes on top (one or two layers). Sprinkle grated mozzarella on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
ROASTED TOMATOES Cut tomatoes in halves; squeeze to release seeds. Place on a rack on a shallow pan, cut-side down. Bake at 450 degrees F, until skin blisters, about 20 minutes.
UPSIDE-DOWN TOMATO CORNBREAD Line greased skillet with season tomato slices; pour cornbread batter over tomatoes; cook until bread is done, then invert.
CARIBBEAN JERK TOMATO SALAD Lightly grill tomato wedges brushed with a mixture of oil and jerk seasoning; toss with sliced avocado, hearts of palm and chunks of cool, cooked chicken or pork.
See the other 7 and more on my blog at: www.abridescookbook.com/blog
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Tomatoes Too...
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As side dishes or even a light lunch by themselves these tempting recipes are sure to cause you to plant tomato plants in your garden next year!
Authentic Style Brushetta
Roasted Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Basil
Tomato and cucumber salad
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Zucchini - Squash with an Attitude
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Want to add some green besides the head of iceberg or the normal string beans to your garden and/or menu? Try flavorful and beautiful zucchini!
Pesto Zucchini
Calabacitos (Mexican corn & squash)
Stuffed Zucchini
And in case you have some left over at the end of the summer stock up for the cooler temperatures ahead with Zucchini Bread or freeze some zucchini for a cold day this winter delighting guests with Broiled Zucchini Boats! |
Never Miss Dessert Opportunities
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Here's a dessert you won't feel guilty eating. It's
filled with healthy (and yummy) fresh peaches!
Peach Cobbler Recipe
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More Resources for Healthy Living...
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