Tomatoes and Tomato Tart

I love tomato season. This year most of the tomatoes in Southwestern Colorado were affected by blight. One of our local farms has a "u-pick" tomato patch, but not this year due to the shortage. I am sure I am paying top dollar for the tomatoes that I buy from the farmers....but who cares. I just give the hard working farmers money and they give me tomatoes.They are so delicious this time of the year.

I remember going to my grandparents farm in Southern Louisiana when I was a kid and learning to appreciate a good garden grown tomato as opposed to a grocery store tomato. All the difference in the world! My Grandpa (we called him Pa) grew Better Boy tomatoes and I still think that variety is the best around. We had plates and plates of sliced fresh tomatoes with every meal. My Grandma (we called her Mama Sadie) also taught me how to can tomatoes. I will blog about canning another time.



Tomatoes Ripening in a Window With a View

 

Tomato Tart

I don't have an actual recipe for the tart, but this is how I made it.

Roll out one sheet of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry that has been thawed according to package directions. Crimp the edges and prick the pastry with a fork.

 

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the uncooked pastry. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Add a layer of fresh sliced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil, top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and capers. Salt and Pepper to taste. Bake at 375 degreees for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown. 

 

We are having this tonight with a grilled steak. Yum!!

 

@pepperidgefarm @Dijonmustard @tomatotart

 



Farm to Table

I love going to the farmers market on Saturday morning to purchase all the fresh vegetables that I can find. Today, I was inspired to make a crudite platter. The colors are beautiful and flavors unlike anything one can find in a grocery store. I served the veges with a simple ranch dressing....the platter was empty in just a few minutes. #farmtotable, #crudite

Crudite Platter

Lupine



 Wild Lupine Along My Driveway
 

A Day At Alta Lakes

Last Sunday we spent the day at Alta Lakes with good friends Mike and Kelly. It is a short drive from  home but at a much higher altitude. The wild flowers were gorgeous, the hiking was wonderful, the cooked-outside-lunch was perfect......the fishing was weak! Enjoy the photos.




One of Alta Lakes.




Wild Delphinium



Indian Paintbrush. At Lower Elevations Paintbrush are Red.



Bluebells



Buttercup



Alpine Daisy



Steve Cooking Our Lunch

My Friend, Kelly.

Mike with the only fish that was caught.

 

Olathe Sweet Corn and Corn Cake Recipe

One of my favorite things to do on a summer weekend is to tour the local farms and buy fresh vegetables. This past Sunday we drove to Olathe, about 75 miles from home, and bought fresh corn and green onions that had been picked only hours earlier.

  

Olathe Corn Fields Stretch for Miles and Miles.

Green Onions Just Before Harvest

 

 

When fresh corn and green onions are available, I always find time to make:

CORN CAKES.

 

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup boiling water

2-3 cups fresh corn kernels cut from the cob

2 green onions finely copped, including tops

2 eggs

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

cooking spray

 

Place cornmeal in small bowl. Pour boiling water over cornmeal and set aside. In large bowl, combine corn and green onions, set aside. Combine eggs, yogurt, flour, melted butter, salt, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cornmeal mixture. Stir until smooth and then pour over corn kernels and stir to blend.

 

Spray a skillet with cooking spray and preheat over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup portions into skillet and cook 3 minutes per side or until browned and corn kernels are cooked.

 

 

I like to serve these with a dollop of sour cream and a smaller dollop of jalepeno pepper jelly.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Baby Chipmunks

Baby chipmunks as they emerged from their nest for the first time in early spring. They are the cutest little animals, but they eat my flowers and that drives me crazy. I can't seem to find any deterent or repellent.....anyone have any ideas?

Wild Roses Along My Driveway

           The wild roses are short lived, but I enjoy every minute of them when they are in bloom.