Fabulous Florida Tomatoes!

The flavor of a juicy, ripe tomato still warm from the sun is the essence of summer and we've got that year round here in South Florida. The chances of capturing that true vine-ripened flavor are always better the closer to your kitchen a tomato is grown. But if you can't grow your own, you're not out of luck; you can find home-grown quality at farm stands and farmers' markets right here in Florida.

Fresh Florida tomatoes are low-calorie, low-sodium, a good source of fiber and high in vitamins A and C. Studies show that the antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes blocks cancer, aging, and cellular damage. Ripe, red Florida tomatoes add flavor, color and good nutrition to any dish. From soup to salad to sandwich to swordfish or simply sliced with salt and pepper, enjoy fresh and fabulous Florida tomatoes!

When tomato season always seems to abound here in South Florida and it's so satisfying to slice a few and eat them just drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt or stuffed into a juicy tomato and cucumber sandwich.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE

This is a tremendous dish that can be served as a salad, an appetizer or even a light dinner. The flavors work well together and the acidity of the tomatoes, the crunch of the onion and celery plus the creaminess of the cheese make this a dish that dances in your mouth. This is a big time favorite of mine.

Ingredients

8 1/2-inch-thick slices crusty bread
4 large garlic cloves, halved
3 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup currant or grape tomatoes or halved cherry or pear tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped green onions

10 medium heirloom tomatoes of assorted colors, cored, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, sliced paper-thin
3 celery stalks, sliced thin on diagonal
1 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled blue cheese

Preparation

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Rub bread with cut garlic halves; brush bread with 3 tablespoons oil. Combine remaining 1/3 cup oil, currant tomatoes, and green onions in medium bowl; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Overlap tomato slices in concentric circles on platter, alternating colors. Scatter onion and celery slices over tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon tomato and green onion mixture over. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese.

L'Hermitage Catering & Gourmet Emporium 3045 North Federal Highway # 38 Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33306 954-568-2383. We are located on the SW corner of Oakland Park Blvd and US1 (diagonal from Target)