tomatoes Archives - East of Eden Cooking

2018/04/112018/04/12

One Bowl Greek Salad

One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite.

“On the wide level acres of the valley the topsoil lay deep and fertile. It required only a rich winter of rain to make it break forth in grass and flowers. The spring flowers in a wet year were unbelievable. The whole valley floor, and the foothills too, would be carpeted with lupins and poppies.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

My oregano plant thrives in the winter. It had outgrown its’ space and got a good trim. Oregano is very pungent when fresh. It pairs well with other strong and assertive flavors. One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite. READ MORE . . .

2015/09/132018/01/03

Eggplant Stacks with Buffalo Mozzarella

An opulent summer dinner

“The cattle lay drowsing all day long under the willows and only moved out at night to feed. An umber tone came to the grass. And the afternoon winds blowing inevitably down the valley started a dust that was like fog and raised it into the sky almost as high as the mountaintops.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Its still summer. If only it would last forever. But then juicy peaches and sweet corn would become mundane. Voluptuous tomatoes would be boring and perfectly regal eggplant might be ignored for the avalanche of winter squash and pumpkin that nudge us to the next season. Grab the last of summer’s finest and then welcome autumn. READ MORE . . .

2014/09/212017/12/31

The Best Tomato Sandwich

It is almost time to leave.

“The sun crept down toward its setting place behind the Salinas River, and a bird began to sing wonderfully from the golden stubble of the field. It was as beautiful under the branches of the willow tree as anything in the world can be.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I want to record a memory. Make a commitment not to forget. Let the time and place etch the grooves of the LP. It is a melancholy song I can’t chase away. The tune replays. It settles in, lingers, and yet I know there will be new words and music. Selfishly I write for myself. READ MORE . . .

2013/10/072014/03/30

Red Corn and Yellow Tomato Galette

The Summer of Yellow Tomatoes

“ I remember that the Gabilan Mountains to the east of the valley were light gay mountains full of sun and loveliness and a kind of invitation, so you wanted to climb into their warm foothills almost as you want to climb into the lap of a beloved mother. They were beckoning mountains with brown grass love.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

We are in the grasp of our Indian Summer. Mercifully, we finally have sunshine with mid-day warmth. I have ripening tomatoes but the fog wore down my zucchini plants. Seriously who has problems growing zucchini? My Early Girl tomatoes are just now starting to ripen and don’t understand the definition of early. If they had a plane to catch they’d never make it on time! But I have lots and lots of yellow tomatoes! And yellow tomatoes pair perfectly with sweet red corn. READ MORE . . .

2013/09/262017/12/31

Indian Summer Panzanella

Summer’s Bounty

“Tom got up and went outside. He looked at the summer stars, at blue Venus and red Mars.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Often when we eat at a restaurant I am inspired to recreate a special dish from our dining experience. My recipe may only resemble the fantastic food we enjoyed at the restaurant but that doesn’t quell my food memories or the drive to be inspired by professionals. Or the final outcome of creating a great new recipe from the inspiration. This panzanella recipe is one such inspiration from Chef Brendan Jones of Lokal in Carmel Valley. Voluptuous with the over abundance of late summer in California this panzanella shouts with vivid color and sumptuous flavor. It’s just the the right mix of acid, sweet and crunch. This panzanella salad is Indian Summer on a plate. The salad ingredients of watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, lemon cucumbers, basil and toasted bread are similar to the Panzanella served at Lokal. I only wish I had the recipes for the Chef’s dressing and foam that graced my spectacular salad. If you visit the Carmel area Lokal would be a phenomenal dining experience. All offerings are fresh, seasonal and locally sourced. READ MORE . . .