Garden State Bliss
NJ tomatoes, fresh basil, EVOO, grated ricotta salata
Thank you for all of your support and positive comments on my last post! Your kind words and love have been inspiring, and I appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
I have lived in several places, and have found a reason to fall in love with many aspects of each one. Right now, we are entering the very best time of year to be living in New Jersey: tomato season! I know, we have all had good tomatoes, but I swear, the tomatoes that grow here are unsurpassed in flavor! This is my third tomato season in the Garden State. Because of COVID-19, our charming farm market in town, Hillcrest Farms, has been closed, but today I discovered that they were open for business and had local tomatoes!! Seriously I could barely contain my total euphoria in this revelation.
One of my favorite (and one of the simplest) ways to prepare one of these beautiful red gems is to chop one up and sprinkle a little salt and a quick squeeze of extra virgin olive oil. I eat this for lunch nearly every day during the summer months. It’s so healthy, and delicious beyond words! Consider it a blank canvas to experiment with other subtle flavors if you’re feeling adventurous or have interesting ingredients on hand (garlic, Reggiano Parmiggiano, Locatelli Romano, ricotta salata, feta, goat cheese). There is an endless list of items that pair well with local seasonal tomatoes!
Last summer Bon Appetit magazine featured a tomato galette on its cover. While I would be lying if I said this was an overtly healthy option, its flavor is well worth the extra calories (after all, you only get to enjoy this for a very limited time). This is one of my favorite recipes of last year, and I cannot wait to make this again!
Tomato Galette
Tomato Galette, sweet Jersey corn, salad, baguette and French rosé. A perfect summer meal.
Another one of our favorite meals (especially when tomatoes are in season) is Chicken Milanese with Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad. You can use cherry or grape tomatoes or chop up a large tomato. It is a perfect combination of everything delicious. The parmesan and panko coated cutlets are crunchy, satisfying and so luscious. This is even better if you are able to score mozzarella di bufala (aka the BEST and creamiest mozzarella which is only produced in Italy).
Chicken Milanese with Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad
Another amazing use for those delicious summer tomatoes is to pair them with pasta. I have long been a fan of Gina Homolka’s amazing blog, SkinnyTaste. I enjoyed making her Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes so much. The spiraled zucchini helped lighten the carbs of the angel hair pasta. Homemade angel hair makes this even more decadent and yummy! The combination of flavors defies the healthiness of this amazing dish.
Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Caprese with mozzarella di bufala and savory pizzelle
Caprese salad is one of the most simple and delicious ways to enjoy summer tomatoes. Basil and tomatoes are truly the perfect marriage of food, cooked or raw. Again, I cannot recommend enough using the very best local tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala. You will never want any other mozzarella after tasting its delicate flavor and soft texture.
I hope you try to find the most special local tomatoes you can get this season. I’ve only highlighted a few of my favorite ways to enjoy the season’s best tomatoes. If you’re looking for more recipes, I have so many suggestions and I am always willing to share, so ask away! Meanwhile, always buy local and try to support your farmers directly through farmer’s markets and farm stands. If you have a recipe for fresh local tomatoes, I would love if you’d share it with me!
Shop local, eat global!
xo