Summer is a great time for tomatoes. This is when they are at their best – deep red, juicy and intense in flavor. There are Beefsteak, Roma, Vine-Ripened, Grape, Cherry, Heirloom and so many other types of tomatoes. Each has their own flavor and each can be used in multiple ways.

Perhaps you grow tomatoes, or you are the lucky recipient of someone who has too many to use or maybe you are indulging in the bounty at the farmers’ market. However, you come by your tomatoes, now is the perfect time to try new and exciting things with them. Of course, you know, you can use fresh tomatoes to make tomato sauce, salsa or bruschetta and, you know, they taste great in salads and sandwiches. Below are a few different ways to use up some of your tomatoes.

Tomato, Watermelon and Feta Appetizer

Makes about 1 1/2 dozen skewers

Ingredients

• 1 large beefsteak tomato, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups 1-inch watermelon cubes
• 4 ounces whole feta cheese, cut into 18 cubes
• 1 1/4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 18 (3-inch) wooden skewers
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Directions

In a large bowl, place the tomatoes, watermelon, lime juice, mint, salt and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients, cover the bowl and chill 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Thread 1 tomato piece, 1 watermelon cube and 1 feta cube onto a skewer and place on a serving platter. Repeat with remaining skewers.

Drizzle with the remaining marinade in the bowl and a little olive oil. Serve immediately.

Chilled Green Tomato Soup with Crab Meat

Have green tomatoes? Here is something to make instead of fried green tomatoes.

Makes about 3 quarts

Ingredients

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 pounds firm green tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups loosely packed arugula
• 14 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 small hot peppers, seeded and sliced
• Lump crab meat

Directions

Melt butter with oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; add onions and cook, stirring often, 15 minutes. Add celery and chopped green bell pepper; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until tomatoes are tender. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in arugula, basil and parsley. Let cool 30 minutes.

Process soup with an immersion blender in the pot or, in batches, in a food processor or blender until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

Ladle chilled soup into serving bowls and top each serving with some crab meat and a few slices of hot peppers.

Fresh Mozzarella, Corn and Tomato Salad

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn-on-the-cob, in the husk
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb (8 oz) plum (Roma) tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 ripe avocado, halved, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes, optional
• 10 large fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 5 cups baby arugula, spinach or romaine lettuce for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Soak corn in the sink or in a bowl filled with cold water for 15 minutes.

Prepare vinaigrette by whisking together oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, chives, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Once the corn has soaked, place it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25 minutes or until the corn kernels are tender.

Cool to room temperature; then discard husks and silks. Cut the kernels off the cobs and put them in a large serving bowl. Add mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, avocado, if using, and basil.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed, and serve over a bed of greens.

Fresh Tomato Cheese Tart

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 medium tomatoes (You will need enough to make 2 layers)
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine bread crumbs, flour, butter and salt in a food processor until dough comes together.

Using your hands, press the dough into a 10-inch tart pan or pie plate. Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.

Slice the tomatoes thinly and place on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle the tomatoes with salt so they can release their juices and set aside.

In a food processor, combine ricotta, mozzarella, eggs and basil leaves just until blended.

Top the baked tart shell with a layer of tomatoes followed by the cheese filling.

Top with another layer of sliced tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake the tart until golden brown and set in center, 45 to 55 minutes.

Let rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting.

Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage and Fresh Tomatoes

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound(12 oz) farfalle (bowtie) pasta or your favorite short pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh basil, leaves torn into pieces
• 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shaved or shredded
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Sea salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with the olive oil. Set aside.

Preheat a large skillet. Cut the casing off the sausage and add it to the pan, crumbling it into small pieces.

Add garlic and cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.

Add cooked sausage to the pasta with the basil, tomatoes, cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Posted by Jovina Coughlin in Appetizer, arugula, Beans, celery, Cheese, corn, crab, Fruit, Herbs, onion, Pasta, peppers, Salad, savory tart, Soup, tomatoes, Vegetables, Vegetarian, watermelon Tags: cooking with tomatoes