Recipes for End of the Summer Tomatoes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Sep 2009 07:47 AM

You know your tomato plants did well this year when your neighbors are even sick of eating the fruits of your labor. If you are tired of packing up bags (and bags and bags) of your bountiful harvest only to have friends and family members decline your gift, then consider putting your tomatoes to good use in these simple, yet delicious recipes:

FRESH TOMATO PIE

Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust, pre-baked

4 large tomatoes

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons fresh basil

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Make or buy a frozen deep-dish pie crust and bake it until just lightly browned at 350 degrees.

Remove crust from oven and allow it to cool.

Mix together the mayonnaise, basil, cheese, egg, garlic salt, and pepper.

Slice tomatoes into thick slices. Pat dry with paper towels.

Layer tomatoes in pie shell.

Bake the tomato pie for 25 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

Remove pie from oven and let cool before slicing.

Garnish with more fresh basil before serving.

TOMATO, POTATO AND OLIVE SALAD

Ingredients:

4 medium fresh tomatoes

1 (6-ounce) can of black olives

1 cucumber

4 sliced Red Bliss potatoes

5 sliced pepperoncini peppers

6 ounces Manzanillas olives

6 ounces Kalamata olives

6 ounces ranch dressing

2 ounces white vinegar

2 ounce Parmesan cheese

Thinly sliced red onion

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley

Directions:

Boil potatoes until tender. Remove and allow to cool.

Dice potatoes and tomatoes and place in a large bowl.

Add remaining ingredients to bowl, and mix thoroughly.

CHUNKY CHILI

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef

1 pound of Italian sausage

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

14 ounces of black beans

14 ounces of kidney beans

1 can cannelini beans

1 large can of tomato sauce

1 large can of diced tomatoes

3 medium fresh tomatoes, diced (drain juice and seeds)

2 stocks celery, diced

Salt, pepper and sugar to taste

2 tablespoons chili powder

Directions:

Place a large pot on medium-high heat and brown ground beef and Italian sausage along with pepper, onion and celery.

Once items are browned, drained all access grease.

Add remaining ingredients to pot. Cook until chili starts to simmer, then turn stove down to medium-low and continue cooking for about 30-45 minutes.

Related Articles:

Seasonal Specialities

Making a Magnificent Meal from Summer's Harvest

Fruity Summer Meal

Fruit for Dinner

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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