Sunday, July 25, 2010

New Jersey's Finest: The Tomato


New Jersey is known for many things: Springsteen, Sinatra, Snooki.
But, this time of year my beloved and highly ridiculed state stands out for the various goodies produced on our many farms.

(It’s not all factories and mobsters here, OK?)

In my parts, farmland surrounds all the strip malls and supersized mansions and humble abodes.

So, it is with great joy I bring to you the Jersey Tomato Salad, courtesy of yours truly, the Numero Uno Jersey Girl in the Kitchen.

There’s something magical about a Jersey tomato. They are so sweet, you can just eat them straight up.

But, I prefer to pair mine with a bit of olive oil and fresh basil. Toss in some celery and red onion, and you got yourself a fab salad that took a whole five minutes to make. I like to get the salad ready a good half-hour before serving. That way all the delish flavors marinate for a while.

This recipe is really simple. When you get produce that is magically divine, my motto is: Less is more.

Enjoy!

Jersey Tomato Salad
Makes 4-6 servings

4 ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
12-18 basil leaves, snipped with cooking shears
1 rib celery, chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2-3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Place tomato slices side by side on a large serving platter. Top with celery. Then top with red onion.

Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Snip basil leaves on top of platter.

Serve with crusty bread.

5 comments:

  1. Looks yummy as always Susan!

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  2. One of things I miss most about living in Jersey were the tomatoes. And blueberries. Just the produce in general, really. Don't get me wrong, we have great stuff here in Ohio, but I still long for the stuff I grew up with.

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  3. Thanks, Anon.

    I completely understand, Becke. I went to college in Pittsburgh so I see where you're coming from. You can find our produce in some of the groceries though. Particularly, the blueberries.

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  4. hmm so hungry, so yummy!!
    Susan,
    I read that you are pregnant! Congrats!!!! How many weeks are you? I am 19 weeks and it's a boy.
    I am so glad to find another blog friend that is prego as well!

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  5. OMG, Congrats! I'm sorry if you wrote about your good news on your blog and I missed it. I can't wait to see what fab outfits you put together during your pregnancy. I'm having a boy as well. I am 25 weeks. Good luck and stay healthy! I am so happy for you.

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