A Plethora of Tomatoes

The CSA is burying us in tomatoes. I have never been a big fan of tomatoes or should I say raw tomatoes. Something about the squishy seedy texture. I avoided them for a long time. To be fair to myself, the typical tomato is a sad tasteless thing.

America has killed the tomato. *bows head*

Or so I thought....then the Heirloom varieties raised their ugly, deformed little heads. Purple...green...blood red...maroon...shaped like brains or tumors and oh so delicious.

One of my favorites salads is the Italian Insalata Panzanella. But in the past I would pick around the tomatoes and feast on the dressing coated bread. But Heirlooms have made that behavior a thing of the past.

*angels sing* Here is the recipe and this....is what I will eat ALL WEEK. Amen.

Insalata Panzanella

Salad for 2

1 Ciabatta or any dense peasant bread (probably not best with a seeded bread)
8 oz. fresh heirloom tomatoes (get a really ugly one!), chopped in chunks - not too small now
1T. red wine vinegar
fresh lemon juice
small bell pepper, sliced
1 garlic clove, peeled
1/3 red onion, sliced
Fresh basil
1/2 avocado
2T. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Rub your salad bowl with the raw garlic clove. Toss the bell pepper, the tomatoes and the red onion in the bowl. Sprinkle salt/pepper over tomatoes. Slice the avocado on top and add the basil.

Dressing - mix the vinegar, lemon juice and oil together. Add chunked bread to bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Toss and eat.