Late Summer Tomatoes

Summer a drawing to a close, but excellent produce is right around the corner

By Khalil Hymore

Early in the summer, as the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables flood our local farmer's markets, providing welcome relief from the bleak winter months, I can't help but want more. To me spring and early summer produce is simply the warm up act for the king of all summer produce--fresh heirloom tomatoes. 

As the dog days of summer begin to wane it's easy to become overwhelmed by these multi-colored beauties if you grow them, as Scott's mom does. Every summer she grows a variety of tomatoes, which we are always happy to receive. 

• Salads and Sandwiches - When they are at their peak, fresh summer tomatoes deserve to be in the spotlight. Leave the lettuce behind and dress a plate of sliced with extra-virgin olive, vinegar, and fresh herbs. Use heirlooms, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto for an updated spin on Caprese salad. For a fresh tomato sandwich check out this week's recipe: Egg and Heirloom Tomato Sandwich.

• Sauce - Pasta sauce is a great way to use up ripe tomatoes and enjoy them later in the year. There is nothing better, not mention faster, than pulling a container of fresh pasta sauce from my freezer in January and tossing it with pasta or braising it with chicken breasts.

• "Sun" Dried Tomatoes - I always wonder if the sun dried tomatoes I see in the grocery store are, in fact, sun dried. Surely there must be a better way. Oven drying fresh tomatoes is a great way to preserve them well past their peak season. Once dried, you can flavor them however you like. Pack them in olive oil or vinegar, and flavor them with herbs, garlic, or fresh peppercorns.