In Search of the Perfect Tomato
This all started the summer of 2006. We rented a cottage for Father’s Day in Nags Head. As usual, I had all of the menus planned out and had done the grocery shopping before hand.. The Farmers market was my last stop – I found tons of great summer veggies and fruits – okra, cucumbers, squash, peaches, cantaloupe –
Lo and behold – last booth — I found the 1st perfect tomato of the season. Oh, she was large, deformed, pink but red on the inside. I began to have visions of tomato sandwiches with Dukes mayo on white bread dancing in my head. I coddled that tomato the entire way home and then kept it in my lap all the way to the beach – 6-hour drive – sometimes even talking to it to make sure it was comfortable.
I got to the beach, unloaded, placed my tomato in a safe spot — then proceeded to play a few yard games with the family while my sweet sister cooked dinner. She made all kinds of delicious summer dishes — including my favorite — summer squash with onions and tomatoes.
I told my sister how great the casserole was and the tomato was extremely excellent and where did she get it – and proceeded to tell the story about my tomato. The whole room got quiet and my sister look horrified. She had used my tomato.
The next day my sweet sister and I drove around for 3 hours searching for the other perfect tomato – we never found it. Finally, in 2012 – perfection was found again – in my own garden.
The Infamous Squash, Zucchini and Tomato casserole
2 T olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh thyme and/or oregano
1 lb tomatoes, chopped
2 zucchini, cut in ¼” slices
2 squash, cut in ¼” slices
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parmesan cheese
Saute onion in the olive oil. Add in the garlic and thyme/oregano. Add tomatoes, zucchini and squash. Add salt & pepper to taste. Saute until done. Transfer to serving plate and top with fresh parmesan cheese. YUMMY!
bain sult as
(enjoy life)
~marchie
P.S. What is your favorite tomato recipe or growing tip?
D i g I n with marchie 
Just read our journal from our 2006 RoadTrip across country — we stopped in Knoxville on our way home to see said sister and family mentioned
above — and this was here text to me “Okay! You won’t answer a phone so this is tomorrow night’s menu. Tomato and Garlic salad, Tomato grits, my summer casserole, and marinated cucumbers and onions. Katie says there are too much tomatoes but that is what you and I like. Tell Erik not to worry–I will be cooking chicken on a beer can and biscuits for the guys. I am so excited to see you. I have worked in the yard all weekend for your arrival. Be safe and we love you.”
I guess our love for tomatoes runs deep!
LikeLike