My First Tomato of the Summer

I had grand visions of planting a lush garden in my backyard this past spring. It would have been bountiful and ripe with gleaming red tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, string beans and even a few of zucchini plants. Sadly, life got in the way and the activities of summer began to take priority. Those daydreams were quickly scaled down to 1 large basil, 2 tomato and 2 tomatillo plants that I impulsively purchased at a big box home improvement store.

Planted in large pots with bamboo rods plunged deep into the rich soil, my plants have grown into a lush jungle bursting with happiness. They happen to be located on my front porch which makes for a welcoming aroma every time I return home from work. It’s as if their perky leaves are thanking me for rescuing them from the harsh florescent store lighting. Now they can live free to bask in the Pennsylvania sun.

I still have a few weeks before I am able to harvest enough fruit for future meals. However, I recently discovered a tiny cherry tomato that was ripe and ready for picking. I giggled at the thought of this single tomato being a renegade bloomer focused on reaching the finish line ahead of the others.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes in honor of my first tomato of the summer.

• BLT with Pesto Goat Cheese
• Fried Green Tomato BLT
• Tomato Feta Salad with Basil Parsley Vinaigrette
• Tomato and Mozzarella Rolls
• Pesto Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
• Grilled Caprese Pizza with Balsamic Reduction

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