Heirloom Tomatoes With Cherries Balsamic And Hyssop Recipes

CHARRED HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1 1/2 tablespoons each oregano and thyme leaves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush grill rack with oil. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on rack. Cook until bottoms are charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn tomatoes over and grill just to sear, about 1 minute. Turn cut side up onto platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon each oregano and thyme, then drizzle with more oil, if desired. Serve warm.

HEIRLOOM AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Stem the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Core the larger tomatoes and cut them into slices or wedges.
• For the vinaigrette, macerate the shallot in the vinegar with the garlic and a little salt. Whisk in the oil. Taste and adjust the acidity and salt as necessary. Put the tomatoes in a shallow salad bowl or on a platter. Season with salt and pepper, strew on the chopped basil leaves, and carefully dress with the vinaigrette.
• Thin slices of peeled lemon cucumber and torpedo onion are wonderful additions to the salad.
• For a more elegant tomato salad, slice perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes and arrange them on a platter. Season with salt and pepper, a splash of good Champagne, and a generous drizzle or extra-virgin olive oil.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA WITH ROASTED HEIRLOOM CHERRY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking trays with aluminum foil, raising the sides so the foil creates a boat. This will prevent juices from leaking onto the trays, allowing for easier cleanup.
• Smash garlic cloves and remove peel. Halve all the tomatoes.
• Divide garlic, tomatoes, and shallots among the prepared baking sheets. Coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper; give a toss with your hand to ensure even coverage. Flip all tomatoes so their cut-sides are up.
• Place trays into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, stirring and rotating trays halfway through. Remove from the oven and transfer vegetables and any accumulated juices to a bowl to cool.
• Place 3/4 of the cooled, roasted vegetables in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer to a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat with remaining roasted vegetables and juices. Stir in beans, Parmesan cheese, basil, and balsamic vinegar; bring to a simmer.
• While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup cooking water.
• Add pasta to the sauce in batches, coating it well with sauce before adding more and drizzling in cooking water to bind the sauce to the pasta as you go. Serve immediately.

CHERRY TOMATOES WITH HERBS, BALSAMIC, AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients except cheese.
• Let marinate on the counter for at least 30 minutes (longer is always better).
• Add cheese just before serving.
• Great by itself or served over a salad.