A Harvest of Green Tomatoes


 * With the onset of Fall, many times the cooler weather seems to "creep" up on gardens and harvests that still need a little bit more growing time. Green tomatoes - they worked so hard to get to where they are - but never had the chance to finish growing, and turn into that beautiful red globe that astonishes everyone as they wait for that wonderful sweet taste of a vine-ripened tomato!


 * Green tomatoes are excellent fried, sauteed, or cooked in sauces or meat stews. Use small green tomatoes for pickling. Large, unblemished green tomatoes will ripen on a sunny window sill,or you can wrap them in newspaper and let them ripen slowly in a cool, dark place.


 * Be creative Hot Dog Relish: Adjust and change to suit your particular tastes: A combination of finely chopped onion, green tomatoes, green/red sweet peppers chopped, salt, sugar, 1 tsp. celery seed, 1 tsp.mustard seed - Store in refrigerator in a covered jar. Also good on Polish Sausage, Bratwurst, and smoked sausages.


 * Swiss Cheese Bake: 4 cups croutons 2 green tomatoes, sliced thinly 1 ripe tomato, sliced thinly 1/2 lb. swiss cheese, shredded 2 eggs 1-1/2 cups milk 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. dry mustard Preheat oven to 350. Arrange croutons in a 9" pie plate. top croutons with tomato slices; sprinkle with swiss cheese. In bowl, with fork or wire whisk, beat remaining ingredients; pour over cheese. Bake 40 mins. or until puffy and brown. Serve immediately.


 * Green tomato saute: 1/4 cup salad oil 6 green peppers, cut into chunks 2 onions, chopped 4 large green tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and cut into chunks 2-1/4 tsp. salt 1-/14 tsp. basil In a pan, over medium heat, in hot oil, cook green pepper chunks, onions, and green tomatoes for 15 mins. Add the ripe tomato together with the salt and basil; cover and simmer until vegetables are fork-tender. Stir the mixture occasionally, for about 20 mins. Serve over pork chops, meatloaf slices, or chicken breasts.

Green tomatoes can be a great asset to your meal plans - with just a little extra preparation they are truly a delight. ENJOY!

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 October

Arleen Kaptur may be contacted at http://www.arleenssite.com akaptur@centurytel.net

Author of books and articles on living a simple, rustic lifestyle - and getting the most from each and every day. Websites: http://www.arleenssite.com