FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

If any of you took our advice and planted a few herb pots, you're now realizing that they are ready to harvest in great abundance.  The basil, thyme, parsley, mint- just to name a few.  I even got brave and planted an heirloom tomato seedling in  a pot on the deck and believe it or not it has tomatoes on it!   I can't wait to make a simple salad with those tomatoes and my fresh basil and maybe a typical caprese salad.  Or make this great tomato salsa to top some grilled chicken.

1 ½ cups red and yellow cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons chopped sun dried tomatoes
2 teaspoons capers (optional)
½ teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil (or lemon flavored olive oil)
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Toss all ingredients in a skillet and heat slightly to bring out the flavors.  Serve over grilled chicken. Yumm!

                                                      

Okay, you didn't plant those herbs-  Well you're in luck.  Your local farmers market or stand is loaded with  seasonal produce right now- and the price is right.  Go out this weekend and explore and enjoy!

As we are planning our menu for the 4^th of July picnic, we’re wondering whether we can serve fresh tomatoes or not?  We don’t know about you, but it all seems very confusing and worrisome.  
Currently, the FDA advises you can eat some tomatoes from some states, but that is way too confusing. Until the FDA has given the green light on all tomatoes, we think the safest way to get tomatoes from your local growers- at the farmer's market or produce stand in your neighborhood- or try the cherry or grape tomatoes which are safe.

To get the latest on this, check the FDA link.    http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Allison and Mollie