TOAD HOLLOW FARM
Fried Tomatoes
During late summer days The Bear are busy "putting food by" for the long winter months ahead. Most families have a garden that is carefully tended during the growing season. Vegetables and fruits are canned, dried or prepared for storage in the root cellar. Bear children seldom complain, " I have nothing to do", or dare utter the words "I’m bored". Everyone has chores to complete before play activities are allowed.
Apples hang heavy on the trees, bending the branches under the weight. Sweet, crisp taste to be found right from the tree, and think of the apple pies to come. Jars of apple sauce will soon join cans of peaches, cherries, plums, pears, beans, tomatoes, corn and pickles already crowding the pantry shelves. Bushel baskets of apples and pears will be stored in the root cellar to be made into pies and eaten out of hand during the months ahead. Soon potatoes, squash, onions, and pumpkins will join the list.
Of course, nothing tastes better than freshly harvested vegetables and fruit. Many a Bear will stop by the garden for a snack: green peas right from the pod, fresh tomatoes sweetly warmed by the sun, tender lettuce and bright orange baby carrots....oh, yum!
During this very busy and productive season the bear enjoy a hearty lunch. One of the favorites is fried tomatoes. Fried tomatoes and fresh bread still warm from the oven. There are, I am sure, many recipes for fried tomatoes but I will share a family favorite with you.
Heat a heavy frying pan and coat with a small amount of cooking oil. I use olive oil.
Select fresh tomatoes...about 2/3 ripe. There should be a small amount of green showing and they should be firm to the touch.
Slice the tomatoes into slices 1/2 to 1 inch thick....leave the skin on but cut out the stem section.
Coat the cut sides of the tomatoes with flour.....I use unbleached.... and add them to the hot frying pan.
I sprinkle the tomato tops with a little salt and pepper. When the cooked side is nicely browned, I turn them with a spatula and sprinkle the cooked side with a little salt and pepper.
When browned on both sides, lift carefully with the spatula and place on a serving plate. Sprinkle the top with a little grated parmesan cheese and serve.
I like to put my tomato slices on a thick piece of homemade bread and eat it as an open face sandwich. My daughter likes her tomatoes on the plate with a piece of bread as an accompaniment. However they are served, fried tomatoes are a real taste treat.
**HOME**BEAR PAGE**TREE TRUNKS**BOOK CORNER**THE KITCHEN**