Of course I didn't really take into account what I would do with all those veggies.
I figured I would eat some and give-away more.
What I didn't count on was the fact that many, many people in my community also garden as a hobby. Some even garden for profit or to stock their own pantries for the coming year.
Tomatoes seem to love North Carolina so we all have them in abundance.
I realized this week that not only am I getting a tad tired of tomatoes (and cucumbers), those I was pushing veggies on were getting their fill too. People were starting to divert their eyes when I approached with my veggie box, I needed to figure out what to do with my tomatoes.
One of the gals at the pool, who also happens to be my local honey source (she's a beekeeper) suggested I could dry my tomatoes in the oven to use for snacks, sauces, and other recipes.
(Just had to throw in a pic of the the honey I bought. It's as beautiful as it is delicious.)
She said she oven-dried her tomatoes overnight because it takes a good chunk of time, but that it was an easy process.
She was right.
Here is what I did: (ignore the chunks of this weeks watermelon...you know how i love h2o melon, but its probably not good dried)
I cut the Roma's in half and the Beefsteak in quarters.
I pushed the seeds out with my fingers, laid them skin side down on an ungreased cookie sheet, an sprinkled them with salt. Next time I am going to try to sprinkle basil on them too.
I turned the oven on to 170.
And went to bed.
This morning the smaller pieces were done,but the larger were still a bit moist and thick.
So I put flipped the undercooked ones over and put them back in the oven. I'll pull them out when they look right.
The others I have cooling and will store in a Ziploc bag.
Then I went out to the garden to water and weed....
...and found more tomatoes.
And more tomatoes....
And the beginnings of more tomatoes....
Any one got a good recipe?
13 comments:
hmm have you tried salsa? What about making some salsa and canning it? Or making spaghetti sauce and freezing it? Just some ideas off the top of my head! I have only had 3 tomatoes ripen so far.. 3 cherry tomatoes.. Sammy ate them all when I wasn't looking ;-)
I'll say it again. You're killin' me with your tomato talk.
My mouth is literally watering.
I did see a tomato recipe that looked tasty. You could even leave out the mayo.
http://blessingsofastayathomemom.blogspot.com/2010/07/tomato-appetizers-pumpkin-butterscotch.html
I have a great recipe.
box them up.
jump on a plane.
come visit me in cali & bring a basket full.
Jealous. That is all.
Oh tomatoes...how I love thee. I can eat a 'mater sandwich every day. Seriously.
I second the salsa recommendation.
What about making a big batch of tomato sauce and freeze it for the winter? You could use up some of your basil with that too.
I'm jealous of your tomatoes!!
Spaghetti sauce? I have an overabundance of basil I could send you :)
Bring me some when I see you Thursday! I ate my last one today (on a bacon sandwich). YUM.
And La Vida Crafty Girl, why don't you can them? If I can, you can too. One summer I put up twenty quarts and used them over the winter. They were fantastic in soups and stews and sauces.
I've missed you while I was away on my bloggy hiatus.
And the first post I walk back into was about my most favorite summer food!!
There is nothing like fresh-from-the-garden juice running down your arm with a salt shaker in the other hand.
And now I'm hungry.
Oh, I wish we lived closer!!! I'd love some! Of course, if you have way too many,,, CPQ doesn't live far from me....
G. gave me a couple yesterday from her FIL, & I ate one for supper tonight (along w/edamame beans & raw carrots.. wasn't in the mood for a big meal).
My mouth is watering........
I've eaten tomato sandwiches almost every day for the last few weeks. Jealous of your veggie abundance!!
Salsa Caliente!!!!!
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