With Death Comes Food

Maybe it's because I was especially hungry and possibly eating away some repressed emotions (my Grandma Hart passed away today), but I used some of those yellow pear tomatoes to make a delicious Cherry Tomato Tart. I paired it with a glass or two...ok... three (as of posting) of McMannis pinot grigio. Not sure if pinot grigio was the best pairing, but it was the only white I had chilled. It was a little too sweet for my preferences, especially since I had several glasses. Bleh.

As you can see, the tart was a big hit. Sorry for the sub-par food photography. lol

If there is one memory I associate with my Grandma Hart, it is food. I guess that is more like a memory "genre," huh? She was always cooking and always the last person to eat at family gatherings, despite everyone insisting she sit down and join us. Since she did not drive, Grandma worked as a lunch lady at Ruby Young Elementary, which was walking distance from her house. Occasionally, she would show up in the cafeteria at my elementary school as a substitute lunch lady and buy me an ice cream when I got my school lunch. My Aunt J compiled several of her recipes and other family recipes into a handy notebook and gave them to us as presents one Christmas. It was a great idea!

Yep. That's Grandma Hart on the cover of the family cookbook. It is a wonderful way for her to live on through one of her talents. Rest in peace.

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So the tomato crop...

Did I mention I grew several varieties in the garden this year? haha June is officially Tomato Month here at Casa del Arnold. I promise no more tomato related posts for at least another year, then look out!

The whole reason I came across the aforementioned tomato tart recipe is because I needed to use a bunch of tomatoes, quickly. Right now, I have Lemon Boy, Black Krim, and Celebrity (pictured below). With more tomatoes than I knew what to do with, I made salsa. Just threw 'em in the ol' food processor (cause I was too lazy to dice) with some jalapenos from the garden, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Added shot of lime and a bit of salt and presto! Now I have 10 cups of salsa. It is tasty, but what the heck am I going to do with 10 cups of salsa?!

I think I may have to make some South Beach Mexican Chicken Soup (haha or "Salsa Soup," as mycousinamanda and I accidentally made the first try). I like to call this soup "Skinny Soup" because after eating it for about 3 days for lunch and dinner, I feel skinny. Of course, that was when Joe was overseas and I could eat soup for 6 meals and no one would complain. Joe is not a soup fan. I think it's a man thing.

Mmmmm... you know you want some garden fresh salsa! Holla!