Farm-Fashioned RECIPES

This week I have a simple but delicious recipe that is months in the making if you do it right.

It all begins in February with the planting of heirloom tomatoes known for their flavor. In a good weather year these tiny seeds become large enough to be planted in my garden in May. It will be July before the first fruits will begin to ripen and are not harvested until they have reached their peak of sweetness.

The harvest is just the beginning. I can remember as a child my Mamaw spending many hours canning tomatoes. Her recipe was simple:

Canning Tomatoes

Using a hot water bath, dip ripe tomatoes for 10 seconds in boiling water to remove tomato skins. Place whole peeled tomatoes in a quart jar until full, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace at the top of the jar. In each jar add 1 tablespoon each of salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar. Apply lids and process in a hot water bath to seal. These tomatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, but my favorite is a simple tomato soup.

Tomato Soup

Open one-quart jar and put in blender and blend till smooth. Add in 1/4 tablespoon of your favorite Italian spices and heat until warm. Serve up in a bowl and stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream, top with parmesan cheese and bacon or fresh basil.

I know this sounds too simple, but I promise just one bite and you will be planting seeds in February just like me!