The Tomato. Fruit? Vegetable? Love it? Hate it? Both of us are guilty of harboring some hatred toward tomatoes as children and for me it has not been until this year that I've stopped purposefully avoiding them at all costs and carefully removing them from my plate when this just wasn't possible. Now, I am happy to report that although I'm still not going to grab one as an afternoon snack, I enjoy them when cooked in dishes and will eat them excitedly if someone placed a few slices in my sandwich. Well, "excitedly" might be stretching it a bit, or, a lot, but I'd sure be excited if someone gave me a sandwich.
And really, who can hate something as beautiful as these yellow and red cherry and grape tomatoes? Even if you're not a fan, you have to admit they're pretty adorable. Thank you again, Aliki's.
Since I was told to cook dinner tonight I figured I should probably use some of the fresh produce overflowing in our fridge. Right now when I swing open the metallic door, my eyes are struck by bowls and baskets of plums, peaches, melons, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and more. It's almost impossible for me not to consume several different fruit species on the spot. I never would have thought I'd die of a sugar overdose from fruit.
Anyway, baby tomatoes in hand, I went online and found a pasta recipe from Serious Eats, a food blog I consistently read until I started summer school. This recipe was Mario Batali's Spaghetti al Pomodoro. We didn't have quite as many tomatoes as it called for and more certainly would have been desirable, but the dish turned out to be a nice summer meal. I also substituted parmesan for the pecorino due to ingredient limitations and added extra basil because I love it so much and also got a little carried away when I was picking some leaves. But I don't think you can really ever go wrong with a little extra basil.
On an interesting side note, apparently the Supreme Court ruled the tomato a vegetable in the Nix v. Hedden case of 1893. The issue arose because of a tax that applied to vegetables but not fruits. However, botanically, the tomato is considered a fruit. If you ask me, I'd just say eat the things. Tomato, tomato.
-Syd
The tomato in the top picture looks like it's wearing a little hat!
ReplyDeleteDo tomatoes have evil acids in them? Sometimes eating a raw one seems to make my mouth sore.
I request a picture of a tomato with a face, unless it is against your principles.
P.S. I know it is rude to post two comments in a row, but I want to know: at the bottom of your blog, on my machine, there is an ad for exercycles. Is this just me? Otherwise it is a strange coincidence, because I am trying to find consumer reviews for an Elite Fitness 3 Deluxe Dual-Action Fan Bike (I mean, a review other than that one that says "piece of junk"). If you are getting a cut of the exercycle business and can refer me to a review, please do so. In return I will eat a tomato.
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