Tomato Simmered With Cognac Recipes

TOMATO SIMMERED WITH COGNAC

Steps:

• Blanch the tomatoes in a large pan of boiling water for about 15 seconds, remove and place in the cold water.
• As soon as the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel.
• Put the 3 cups water, sugar and salt into a large saucepan and bring to boil.
• Add the tomatoes and simmer gently until they are tender.
• Remove from the heat, add the cognac and leave to cool.
• Refrigerate until serving in a glass bowl with a little syrup around each tomato.

CHILLED TOMATO CONSOMMé

Steps:

• Cut fronds from fennel stalks and reserve. Cut whole fennel (with stalks) in half lengthwise and core. Separate layers, reserving 3 or 4 tender inner pieces, and coarsely chop remaining fennel, including stalks.
• Cook onions, garlic, and chopped fennel in oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in puréed tomato, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Pour tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a 4-quart saucepan, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them, and bring tomato broth to a full boil.
• Whisk together egg whites, herbs, ice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl until frothy, then quickly pour into boiling broth, whisking vigorously 2 or 3 times. (Egg mixture will rise to surface and form a "raft.") When broth returns to a simmer, find a place where bubbles break through raft and gently enlarge hole to the size of a ladle. Cook broth at a bare simmer, uncovered, without stirring (keep raft opening clear by gently spooning out any froth), until broth is clear, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove saucepan from heat and, disturbing raft as little as possible, carefully ladle out consommé through opening in raft, tilting saucepan as necessary, and transfer to cleaned fine-mesh sieve lined with a double layer of dampened paper towels set over a bowl or large glass measure. Discard raft. Chill consommé, uncovered, until cold, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Just before serving, season consommé with salt. Slice reserved tender fennel into thin slivers and toss with fennel fronds, pear tomatoes, and vinegar. Divide consommé and tomato salad among chilled bowls.

MARINARA WITH WHITE WINE

Steps:

• Heat the anchovy oil in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in garlic, onions, and green pepper; cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. Pour in the wine, and simmer until reduced by half. Meanwhile, place the grape tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and anchovies into the bowl of a blender; puree until smooth.n
• Season with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.n