Tomatoes, The Perfect Food

Tomatoes have to be one of nature's most perfect foods.  They are so versatile, raw and cooked.  If you are planning a garden, tomatoes are a MUST. 

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C which keeps your immune system healthy.  They also contain Lycopene which  have anti-cancer properties.  The amino acids can speed up fat burning ability and and aid in a healthy heart.  They are delicious and so versatile! They can be enjoyed in pasta, salads, soups, stews, wraps, curries, and many of your favorite dishes.

Below is a simple canning method for your excess garden tomatoes:

Sterilize jars and lids. Scald tomatoes and remove skins.  Dip in boiling water, then cold water for easier skin removal.  Pack in hot jars with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. sugar.  Put lids on and bands, place in 250 F degree oven for 70 minutes.  Turn off and leave jars in oven overnight.  Check lids to make sure they sealed.  Will store this way for up to 1 year.

Baked Tomato Salad

from The Summer Book by Susan Branch

Olive oil

Large ripe summer tomatoes

salt and pepper

minced fresh parsley

minced fresh basil or cilantro

1 jar of roasted red peppers, chopped (or make them fresh)

dry bread crumbs

capers

Method:

Choose a heavy baking dish.  Preheat oven to 475F. Put a good film of oil in bottom of dish.  Cut tomatoes in 1/4" slices & put a single layer into baking dish.  Salt & pepper, lightly sprinkle some of the spices over the tomatoes, then a layer of roasted red peppers.  Repeat the process until dish is full.  Last layer of tomatoes drizzle over a little olive oil, cover lightly with bread crumbs and sprinkle with capers (you can omit these if you don't like them).  Bake 20".  Serve warm or cold.

Quick Italian Gravy

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp dry basil

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup chopped parsley

3/4 cup chopped mushrooms

2  29oz cans tomato puree (or make your own)

3/4 cup red wine

2 tbsp oregano

1 1/2 cups water

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

Saute garlic, onion, parsley, mushrooms in olive oil until limp.  Add remaining ing. Cover and simmer for 30 min.

My Favorite Tomato Gravy/Pasta Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green pepper, cut into small bite size pieces

1/3 cup Parsley,

2 tbsp Oregano,

1 bay leaf, 

1 tsp basil

2 cans chopped or diced tomatoes w/ juices

 1/4 c  red balsamic vinegar

3/4 cup   red wine

pinch of sugar

salt and pepper to taste

 cooked mushrooms if desired

 cooked meat of your choice

You can get creative and add zucchini or carrots

Method:

Saute the onion in olive oil, then add the green peppers and stir for a few minutes

All other ingredients adding cooked meat last.  Simmer covered for an hour.  You can use Italian sausages, chicken, mince meat, ground lamb, whatever you prefer. 

Serve over your choice of pasta

Eat More Tomatoes...Eat More Tomatoes...Eat More Tomatoes...Eat More Tomatoes...