Friday, August 29, 2014

THE GREAT TOMATO POST


So Layla may represent how I've felt these past few days, but actually, this is the mode she goes into when Tulo comes to visit, as he and son Jeff did today.  Yes, I had a visitor!  We sat on the patio and had coffee while Tulo and Milo wrestled in the grass.  Tulo is twice the size of Milo, but The Mi is very muscular and strong, and he's the "older and wiser" of the two so he dominates.  Very nice morning.  Rain is predicted later today and all weekend.  I'm starting to just ignore that little weather app on my phone, it's never right.  And the last big bang at the lake?  Almost everyone had to back out for various reasons.  MC's family is preparing for a baby shower for sister Katie, which I will be going to next weekend.  Another group of the family are doing some major landscaping during their time off from work.  And the rest, I shooed them off to do other fun things...it just has to be all of us, our big jolly family group!  I am suggesting a big fall get~together to go apple and pumpkin picking, and have bonfires...make some S'mores.  Yes!




I made the Tomato Tart as I spoke of in my last post.  It was absolutely delish!  The Pioneer Woman is very laid back and offers many options when she posts a recipe.  She used small orange cherry type tomatoes in her recipe which are very cool.  If you've ever roasted small tomatoes, they are so good when they've popped!  So I am going to give you the low down on how I prepared this so you don't have to jump from link to link.

Saute 2 large onions, cut in half and then sliced, in 4 T butter. Keep the heat very low, be patient and let them caramelize, about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile slice your tomatoes...I just used my big old red ones.  You want about 3 cups.  Grate three or four different cheeses to equal 2 cups. I used Swiss,  Fontina, Monterey Jack and Parmesan.  These cheeses really make the tart.  The prepared pie crust is pressed into a sheet pan (I'll get to that), I used a large one and 4 of us ate only half of it.  So use a half sheet pan or 2 pie or tart pans (these would actually be prettier).  Sprinkle the cheese on in one layer, then the onions and finally the tomatoes.  I sprinkled some S&P on over that and about 2 t. garlic powder.  Brush the pie crust edges with a little egg/milk mixture and pop in the oven at 450 for about 15~20 minutes.  Shred some fresh basil over the top when you take it out.  Then let it sit for 5 minutes before you slice it in squares.  



The pie crust is something I am saving for last because 1)  I LOVE making pies in the winter, and 2)  You can freeze the dough!  Yay!  Can you imagine making your dough all in one swoop and then pulling it out of the freezer anytime you want to fling together a pie, quiche or tart?  And this crust is tasty!!  It was sent in to Rhee by a blog reader and she wholly recommends it.  Here it is:

1 1/2 c Crisco Vegetable Shortening
3 c flour (I like King Arthur)
1 whole egg
5 T cold water
1 T white vinegar
1 t. salt.

Start with your Crisco and flour.  Cut them in together with one of those dough cutters or use two knives like I do.  When it's nice and crumbly, add the rest of the ingredients.  Here is where I jumped the gun.  I thought the dough looked too wet so I added another tablespoon of flour.  No, no, no.  It will be fine.  I later had to add in water because it was cracking as I rolled it out.  Knead it on a flour covered surface, separate into 3 balls, flatten and pop into freezer bags and into the freezer.  For this recipe you will use all the dough after 15 minutes in the freezer.  If you are a smart cookie, you can just keep on making dough to your hearts content (since you've already made a huge flour~y mess on the counters and floor).  Then you'll be all set when those apples and pears and figs and whatever come in season this coming month! :)







One last thing, because I was going on and on with the recipe, and some of you might have just skipped over it, if you have a ton more tomatoes as I do, toss them in a big pot of boiling water.  When the skin starts to crack, scoop them out into a strainer, let them cool, peel them and pop them into freezer bags.  You can chop them up beforehand as well.  Then you have a good months worth of tomatoes for sauce, salsa, chili, however you like them.  Maybe a tomato tart? :)

Have a great and safe holiday weekend!

Jane xx

46 comments:

The Quintessential Magpie said...

That tart looks divine, Janie! Yum! Wish I was there to join you for it.

We have a lazy weekend planned. Mr. Magpie has got chores lined up, but I am going to be lazy. Will you still go to the lake, or will you hang in Chicago? I wasn't clear.

I love terrier games. There is nothing like watching them tug on a toy or each other. Mine used to act fierce, but rarely got into it with maybe two exceptions. We had to pull them apart and put them in timeout. ;-)

I am so proud of you for going to the gym! You go, girl! I need to lose weight big time. I gained last fall, and I haven't gotten it off. It didn't help that I got into bagels and cream cheese today! ;-)

Have a great weekend!

xoxoxoxox

Sheila

Kathleen Grace said...

I'm actually dying to try that tomato tart, our tomatoes are coming on right now and it sounds like the perfect way to enjoy them. As much as it makes me sad to see summer waning, I do enjoy bonfires, apples, baking and s'mores! May as well look on the bright side, and Autumn has plenty of that :>) Have a great weekend Jane!

SImple and Serene Living said...

That recipe sounds delish. I am so not ready for fall and as it is in the 90s here right now I am reveling in what is left of summer. xo Laura

Balisha said...

Oh my gosh that tomato thing looks delicious. I think I will make it over the weekend.
Hope your weekend is great...
Balisha

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Your tomato tart sounds so good. Unfortunately I did not get many tomatoes this year - I don't know why. But they are pretty cheap at the market so I will buy some and make a tart. I do eat a lot of tomato's.
Sorry everyone backed out of the Lake trip, but you will have a great time with your family and not have to worry about the rest of the people. Just take it easy, kick your feet up and have a nice glass of wine. I found a wine that I love and I could drink the entire bottle by my self. It's called Chateau St Michelle Riesling - it is a little sweet but oh so good. Try it - it's about $9.00 here.
Enjoy your fun weekend.
Mary

awal.ny said...

My husband and kids would like the tart, but me, I just can't bring myself to eat them, only as sauce. Funny thing, I worked on a tomato farm for several years. The plant is called obedient plant. I have found the color you have to be highly spreadable if you let it go to seed. I planted about 6 and now I have hundreds of them. I will take pictures and post it on my blog. They are just starting to bloom and they will last for several weeks. I no longer feel bad when I rip them out of the ground in a spot I don't want them. Have a wonderful weekend. Alaina

awal.ny said...

My husband and kids would like the tart, but me, I just can't bring myself to eat them, only as sauce. Funny thing, I worked on a tomato farm for several years. The plant is called obedient plant. I have found the color you have to be highly spreadable if you let it go to seed. I planted about 6 and now I have hundreds of them. I will take pictures and post it on my blog. They are just starting to bloom and they will last for several weeks. I no longer feel bad when I rip them out of the ground in a spot I don't want them. Have a wonderful weekend. Alaina

Sonny G said...

that tart looks good. I'm freezing bags of tomatoes too. they'll be so good in hommemade veggie soup this winter.
canned just never tastes like fresh.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Yum! It looks delish! It's funny watching dogs and how they relate to one another.
Brenda

sweetvintageofmine said...

There is nothing like a good ole' mater!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 'em! Lord willing next year I WILL have my tomato garden~~~yeah! And just to let you know...I smiled at the walnut and squirrel fiasco....I have them too!! Blessings...LIFE IS GOOD! Roxie

deb said...

love your tomato gathering basket! and thanks for the tomato tart recipe ... will definitely make it.
have a wonderful weekend xo

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Oh my gosh Jane your tomato tart looks and sounds soooooo good...can't wait to try it!! Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Unknown said...

Thank you for hosting and I'm looking forward to this party for sure!!!
Home Decor Ideas

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Jane, I am going to have to come back for that pie crust recipe as it sounds like it would certainly work for me! Joining the gym was a great move...exercise really helps the body and soul...hey, I got my "ducks"...they are adorable!!! Post coming soon...:)JP

Lulu said...

A tomato tart is both a perfect appetizer or dinner with a salad. We like it either way. Summer is winding down for sure. In fact, here in Maine August has felt like fall, but it has been glorious. Going to the gym is not my favorite thing either, but if it's good for us we gotta do it. Enjoy your weekend.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

The tart looks awesome! Thanks for sharing. We've done that very thing with our tomatoes (the blanching and freezing) ...and we have one more big batch on the counter waiting to be done.

Sarah said...

Seriously yummy, tart! It looks like a healthy meal and just what I'd like for lunch today. I'm ready for a change of seasons. The heat of the past few weeks has taken a toll on my and the garden. Enjoying some cool mountain air this weekend. Dread returning to the heat!
Hope you have a terrific holiday weekend!
A+ for going to the gym!!!!!

elaine said...

I seem to have spent the last few weeks dealing with tomatoes - the job is never ending - but waste not want not as they say.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Good for you for joining the gym, Jane. I have to get back into walking ~ I seem to put it off when it is hot and humid out. Plus, now that I'm working in the mornings, I have to find a good time to do it.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I love the throw your doggie is hiding under in the first photo! It is so pretty!
I have a suggestion for your excess tomatoes. Make "sun dried" tomatoes in your oven. You can then make pesto with the tomatoes and freeze to have all winter long. :)
Goof for you going to the gym! I need to start up again too!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, well I just enjoyed catching up with you and your adventures. You sure have been busy and always inspire.
Love the recipes you share and the tips.
Great job on rejoining the gym and making the commitment. I know too well how hard this is and what a effort we have to put out to make it happen.
I am hoping with cooler weather this fall to begin walking again.

Love seeing your sweet baby under the throw. Those eyes are so pretty!!
Thank you for stopping by my feature and your kind comment. You are such a dear and your visits are always special to me!!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend.
XOXO

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... wow, that tomato tart looks delish!... I want to make it for dinner tonight, I have tons of tomatoes... little Layla always looks so sweet!... how nice you joined the gym again!... I feel so much better walking, cannot imagine a day without it... your Autumn time at the lake sounds perfect with apple picking and all you have planned... we are definitely in the Autumn mode here... nice cool days and I am loving it!... enjoy your holiday weekend, xoxo Julie Marie

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Your tomatoes look so good! I love tomatoes, but have never actually made a tomato tart. I love fresh mozzarella with tomatoes too. Yum! I have no idea what that flower is, but it sure is pretty! Good for you on getting back into the gym! It's always a little harder at first, but you'll be surprised at how quickly your body will adjust to working out. Have a wonderful weekend!

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
That tomato tart looks so yummo! I am with you and not wanting to let go of Summer. I love fall but we all know by us what comes after that !!!! I am not looking forward to another winter like last year. Hope we will not be as bad. Wishing you a great holiday week end. I know they are saying rain for us but right now it is sunny and bright. Have a good one.
Kris

June said...

Oh my---does this tart look sooooo good Jane! Do you know what...I am in awe of everything you accomplish and wonder if you really realize what a 'wonder woman' you really are??? You run circles around me my dear. Just the thought of entertaining or even being entertained makes me want to run and hide under the covers.
sending hugs...

Terri Steffes said...

Loving your ideas on tomatoes. Our plants gave forth PLENTY this year for the two of us. I am going to do the tart, too. I joined a gym recently as well. I was determined to do it but I hate to exercise, do not understand how some people think it is fun. It's dumb. BUT let me say, I have gone for two weeks and I am already noticing the effects. I am stronger and more flexible. THAT is something I do like! Keep us posted on your fun at the gym!

Babs said...

I made Pioneer Woman's tomato tart too and it is delicious. I know what you mean about looking forward to Winter..or not looking forward to it. Same here. xo and have a great Labor Day.

Lori said...

Sorry your plans fell thru at the lake but a fall gathering sounds fun ~ chili and a nice hearty soup ~ bonfires and smores. Sounds cozy and a great last hurrah at the lake for the season. I have been reading all summer and this is the first time I have jumped on to comment. Things have been a little upsidedown for us so I am just starting to re-adjust things. Enjoy your long weekend. xo

Betsy Brock said...

Good for you going to the gym!

That tart looks delish!

My garden looks like I'll have an onslaught of tomatoes this week...I'm looking forward to cooking with them!

RURAL said...

That tart looks so good, and I have already had dinner, so you know it's stunning.

Lets all band together and tell Summer to hang on for a while....all the bloggers are bidding it farewell...there is almost another entire month to go.

Jen

Doreen@househoney said...

Now THAT'S a tomato recipe I can sink my teeth into!

That flower looks a little like a gladioli, but a bit more delicate. Very pretty!

Congrats on your gym membership. I'm not a fan of exercise either. Most days I'd rather have root canal. :/

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

I made a big pot of sauce to freeze with one round of tomatoes and have been treating my son's family and neighbor, enjoying my own, and that tart looks so delicious!! I am wishing that I had that right this minute for my breakfast!

Poppy said...

Hi Jane,

Been catching up on your last few posts, and thought I'd comment here, on your current one. Firstly, kudos to you for joining the gym, and jump starting your program with a run! When I lost 22 pounds back in 2010, running on the treadmill for 30 minutes five times a week did the trick. Well, those 22 pounds have crept back, and although I've been swimming in our pool every single day since the first week of June, would you believe I haven't lost an ounce?! I figure it's just one not-so-fun fact of my new Post 50 Frustrations! Ugh.

Your tomato tart looks scrumptious; you are such a fabulous cook! I have plenty of tomatoes and basil from our garden and I will definitely try your recipe; thanks for all the great tips!

Lastly, like you, I have my bouts with loneliness, my husband also works long hours, but it's mostly due to my daughter, Liberty, living and working in Toronto since December 2012. Yes, I got to spend 2 1/2 months with all my family in Toronto, but I still find it very difficult being away from her. She's my only child and I miss her terribly. SO, compared to me, you got it pretty good, huh? You still get to see Abby every day, hug her and hang out together. Skype comes to my rescue every so often, but there's nothing like being hugged by your children!

Well, now I've rambled on, so I'll say Happy Sunday and have a wonderful week ahead!

xo
Poppy

Suzanne said...

OH, those tomatoes are gorgeous. Now that we grow our own, I've become a tomato snob. There is nothing like those homegrown summer tomatoes, still warm from the sun.

Theresa said...

That tomato tart looks DELICIOUS! I need to follow your lead and get the walking shoes laced up! I NEED IT DESPERATELY! Enjoy your day dear Jane! HUGS!

Marigene said...

I had decided on making a tomato tart for tonight before reading your blog...after seeing the photo, I can't wait for dinnertime!

I am proud of you for going to the gym...I HATE exercising!
Have a great upcoming week, Jane.

podso said...

The Tomato Tart looks good. I've always made smaller ones but a big one is a good idea. Yum. Good for you to go sign up for the gym. Hope you're having a good weekend!

Melanie said...

Mmm, that tomato tart looks so good. I didn't grow any big tomatoes this year; just little ones. But I've been buying local farmstand tomatoes. I don't know what that purple flower is that you have growing, but it sure is pretty!

bj said...

ummm, looks so good. I'm not a big tomato fan but Mr. Sweet loves them any way they are fixed.

Yay...high 5 on going to the gym...
It's still in the 90's here most days and we feel like we are still in summer...got another month to go and THEN I might be ready for fall.

chateau chic said...

Your tomato tart looks out of this world!!!
Way to go getting back to the gym! I'm so not ready for summer to end either. We've had an unusually mild summer which I'd love to hold on to.
Mary Alice

Scribbler said...

Your tart looks divine. Tomato pie is popular here in the South, but I have always had to use Roma tomatoes in it because anything else makes a soggy mess. I am curious if your crust held together?

That crust recipe you posted is one I would like to try. My mother used one with vinegar and an egg and it made 5! However, I don't know what happened to it. She did exactly what you suggested about freezing them, and she always had pie crust when she wanted to make a pie.

Beth said...

Your tomato tart looks fantastic, Jane! I've tried that pie crust recipe and I like it too. I have lots and lots of tomatoes and am eating, freezing, and giving away. Your pink flower is obedient plant. It's pretty; some say it can be aggressive so keep an eye on it. I have it - the pink - and it's not been invasive at all. However, I had white and it was very invasive. Go figure. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Hugs and blessings, Beth

Bliss said...

Yup, I gotta make that tomato tart. And maybe even boil and freeze some. That's assuming of course I get more than the few I need to make the tart!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. I am going to make this tart. Our neighbor gave us so many tomatoes..Sounds lucious..Happy Tuesday..Judy

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Enjoyed your beautiful photos, especially the ones of the tomato tart and your flowers in the garden. We just canned a bunch of salsa and tomatoes and still have more tomatoes in the garden. I am looking forward to cooler weather as it is REALLY HOT here right now; Winter even sounds good to me. Hope you had a wonderful summer!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I love tomato tarts and yours looks terrific. I have a counter full of tomatoes and more on the vine so I can definitely see one in my future. :)