Sunday, August 21, 2011

Fast & Fresh: Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad



One of summer's the most versatile fresh vegetables is the TOMATO!

To this day my mom plants a tomato plant every year in anticipation of the luscious, juicy, ripe red tomatoes.  Oh, and my sister planted a Roma tomato plant this year.  I LOVE Roma's.  Unfortunately, so do her squirrels!  I haven't tried my hand at planting tomatoes yet but I sure love to eat them!

On a recent visit to my local farmer's market I spotted a bunch of HEIRLOOM TOMATOES.  All colors, shapes, and sizes.  I was in heaven.  Love those things!  Must be the color varieties.  They just lend such a pretty palate to your dishes.

So what to create?  I wanted a simple side dish that would highlight the pretty colors, and fresh flavors of the tomatoes.  So I found this recipe for Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes Salad from Sunset Magazine.  It was perfect!

The taste was light and refreshing.  The marinade has a ratio that is more vinegar to oil, so it is nice and tangy.  SO YUMMY!  This would be great as a side dish to a picnic, a potluck dish, or along side a grilled dish.  We served it along side my Grilled Chicken and Avocado Pitas.  Fabulous, if I may say so.

So what can be more Fast or Fresh than this???

Try it, you'll love it!






Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad
Source: Sunset Magazine 

Ingredients
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Salt and black pepper


Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Rinse and core tomatoes and slice 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Arrange in layers in platter or serving dish.  Drizzle vinegar mixture and sprinkling mint, basil, salt, and pepper evenly.

Chill for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.


Linked to:  fresh food friday

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Home Sweet Home

There's nothing like flying in to Los Angeles at night...

A gorgeous sunset to guide us...



The vastness of lights that seem to go on forever...




This was my view flying home last night...

Just came back from Nashville, TN.  I had such a good visit with my family, but they always seem to be too short!

Don't miss the humidity though....boy oh boy was it hot...and that humidity messes with my hair!

Great ride in the country...isn't this pretty?  Love the black fences!



Look at this park...I bet Rocky would love those steps!




Lots of food, lots of fun! I'll share some of the great things we cooked soon...but for now,
it's Home Sweet Home for me!


Friday, August 12, 2011

Fast & Fresh: Grilled Asparagus



I'm about to step on a plane...flying south to Tennessee for a nice visit with family and to eat some good home cookin'!

I leave you with a great side dish that's quick and easy!

Another installment in the Fast & Fresh series.

"Fast & Fresh"
              • Simple ingredients
              • Fresh and healthy
              • Easy prep
              • Delishhhh taste!

Grilled Asparagus is simple, delicious, and healthy!  You'll love the flavors this brings out, and it complements a variety of dishes.

This is such a simple recipe with just a few ingredients that I won't  post step by steps...but I'll let you browse some tempting pics to entice your to try this dish!!!




What's your favorite grilled vegetable??

Grilled Asparagus

serves 2-3

1 bunch of asparagus
olive oil
salt & pepper
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 c diced tomato
2 T slivered almonds

Trim asparagus by cutting off the tough ends (bend asparagus to determine where to cut).  Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt & pepper.

Place on a pre-heated medium-high grill.  Cook, turning often until vegetables are slightly charred on all sides.

Place on a platter, sprinkle with the juice of 1/2 a lemon.  Top with fresh diced tomato and some slivered almonds.

Enjoy!

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