The picture below demonstrates the problem with growing tomatoes. They tend to ripen all at once. Patsy and I are serious tomato eaters but even this is more than we can handle. In a day or so, we will be totally overrun. Some of these are destined for Janine a little later today after we see the new Harry Potter movie.
The picture below demonstrates my need for a new digital camera. The Hewlett-Packard C200 is a fine starter camera but it has limitations. It has auto-focus but it, not you, determines what it focuses on. The Celebrity tomato below gave its life for the ham and turkey po-boy I just ate with Baby Swiss cheese and Dijonnaise. Patsy will finish it off with some liver cheese shortly.
Okay. Here's something to think about. When I was growing up, my folks grew too many tomatoes and we ate them in a number of ways. One was as a dessert: a bowl of chopped pieces of tomatoes sprinkled liberally with sugar and chilled. I know. I know. You're going to say, "Ughhh." But after that, go ahead and try it. You could be pleasantly surprised and then there's the added pleasure of using up two or three of those gorgeous tomatoes. We also had a "side" that I never cared much for. It was chopped tomatoes with chunks of bread mixed in and cooked down. I could eat it then but maybe not today. I wonder if these two dishes sound familiar to any of the Minnesotans?
I hope those tomatoes didn't cook in your vehicle while you are watching the movie, R&P. I can't wait to put some balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil on slices and eat it. Mom, I recall your making that sugary tomato dish. I wouldn't eat that now, but if one felt deprived of sweets, one might eat that.
Nice pictures, even if you don't like your camera.
Sliced tomatoes with sugar is the way I like them too. Some folks like salt on their tomatoes(why would you ruin it like that???) I never did understand those who liked cooked stewed tomatoes either. Annie and I are the only ones here that like raw tomatoes and the guys only want a limited amount of tomato sauce in their menus.
No, Janine, we didn't bring yours with us to the movie. Tried them yet?
I can't do tomatoes with sugar. Salt, yes. I prefer them raw, right off of the vine or at least at room temperature. Never chilled. You put them in the fridge the day before you would have to throw them out. That will buy you a day but it comes at a price. Fantastic tomatoes turn into mediocre ones in the fridge.
Yes, I'm a tomato snob.
I, too, LOVE home grown tomatoes! To me, it is the perfect food. I don't put them in the fridge, either. I buy mine at the veggie stand around the corner - they are better than ones bought at the grocery, but don't come close to home grown. I like them almost any way you prepare them (not with sugar, though) but my favortie thing is a tomato sandwich - fresh white bread, Blue Plate Mayonnaise and lots of salt. Now that is heaven on earth!
I know you always loved them, Sue. I am surprised you never grew them, yourself.
Yes, I cut one of the bigger ones and the handful of cherry tomatoes into a bowl and put some herbs from my garden on the mixture, basil/oregano/parsley, along with olive oil and vinegar, and mmmmmmmm that was good. Besides my liking that, Julia and Michael did too, and Michael is no tomato lover. Home grown with our herbs on it, he couldn't pass on that. Thank you very much for the tomatoes. My 12 ought to be ready before too long. They are big and green.
I picked 12 this morning.
We have several tomatoes in our garden. Two of Joey's brothers and his dad also have gardens growing so we are overrun with vegetables. I had Joey's family over last night for meatballs and spaghetti to celebrate Joey's birthday. They all came bearing vegetables. Does anybody want any? Cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers?
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
My Great Aunt Lois used to serve sliced tomatoes sprinkled with sugar. She was of German/Scandinavian stock by way of Minnesota. Is there a pattern here? She also kept the toaster on the table and you could have toast with every meal. Taboo at my fathers table.
I can sit and eat 5 or 6 large tomatoes at a time a couple of times a day! I never get mouth sores or anything, and I never get tired of them either! I have been doing it since I was a kid and I am 41 now! YUMMY!!!!