Monday, August 23, 2010

Come and Get 'Em...Please!

This is our harvest over the last week (minus one zucchini).
When we were buying plants for our garden we decided to experiment with some "super sweet" tomatoes, not realizing that they were cherry tomatoes. About a month ago, the wind blew all four plants down and I was bummed thinking we wouldn't get that many. Not so! They have gone bonkers! I really can't eat all of these (as I'm the ONLY one in my family who does). Please, if you will be in the general vicinity of my home this week, come and get some!

In case you don't know what you would do with cherry tomatoes, might I suggest a few delicious recipes for you to try.

Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

Heat 1 Tbs. olive oil in a large frying pan and add 1 to 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes. Season with plenty of salt and ground black pepper and leave to simmer gently for 5 min. Add 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar a pinch of sugar and 1/3 c. fresh basil, roughly chopped. Cook for an additional 1-2 min., then stir through cooked pasta (penne works well).

Lemon Orzo Salad

1 c. orzo (I found it at Target)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. lemon juice, divided
1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 c. diced dried apricots
1/3 c. crumbled feta cheese
1/3 c crushed cashews
salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo to pkg. directions, rinse in cool water and drain. Toss with oil and 1 Tbs. lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients, toss, add 1 Tbs. lemon juice and toss.

Roasted Tomatoes with Pasta

2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved (this is a total guess, I usually just fill a cookie sheet with them)
2 sprigs rosemary
1/2 c olive oil
8 cloves garlic
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
coarse salt
pepper
1 lb. pasta cooked to pkg. directions
1/4 c. oregano, basil, thyme
1/2 c. crumbled feta

Pour half of olive oil onto cookie sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle with garlic and rosemary. Wash and cut tomatoes in half and lay on cookie sheet (cut side down). Sprinkle with vinegar and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Put under broiler for a few minutes until pulp has softened and skin blisters (I like to take the skins off, but that's optional). Place pasta in a large bowl, toss with ingredients on the cookie sheet, herbs, and cheese.

Even if you don't take my tomatoes, these recipes are really worth a try (at least I like them).

4 comments:

Amanda B. said...

Great harvest!
We'll be right over for those tomatoes. :) And just to add to your idea list- I have had good luck throwing them into some fresh salsa. Yum!
P.S. Our tomatoes have had some serious problems this year. It's been so disappointing. What's your secret?

Tiffany said...

You could make a batch of salsa with those tiny tomaters. :) You would have to be very patient with dicing though. ha ha

Jamie said...

Hi Neesha I found your blog through Amanda's. I'm impressed, you're one awesome blogger and tomatoe grower!

Katherine said...

Those recipes all sound so good! I have a harvest via a neighbor here and will be trying all three. Thanks for sharing.