Last evening's class was perfectly timed for this gardening season, with tomatoes coming in full throttle. It was a full house as Marilyn demonstrated preparation of Citrus-Herb Tomato Soup (which featured the orange and yellow tomatoes Alex supplied - see the tomato list below); Goat Cheese Quiche with Tomato Confit and Multi-colored Tomato Salad; and Lamb Sliders with Tomato Chutney and Cucumber Salad. All of these annual tomato-focused cooking classes are superb, but last night Marilyn outdid herself, and each course was absolutely delicious (and easily make-able!).
The tomatoes that Alex provided (which were absolutely gorgeous) were:
Azoychka (this has become a favorite of Alex's customers for its nice, tart flavor)
Kellogg's Breakfast
Cherokee Green (which Alex noted is gathering quite a following!)
Cherokee Purple (this is the tomato that essentially brought Alex and I into communication just after it was released by Southern Exposure)
Striped German
Pontente (hybrid from Italy)
Coralina (Seeds of Change)
Pienolo (Slow Food Presidia product - from Italy)
Torre Canne (Slow Food Presidia product - from Italy)
Big Beef
Orange Blossom
German Johnson
Sungold
Blush
Ultra Sweet
Alex discussed his rationale for growing each variety listed above - and also the pluses and challenges involved in each. He also brought two big boxes of beautiful mixed tomatoes for the attendees to take home with them.
We will hopefully do this again next year, likely in July - watch for it and give it a try!