The DeLish Bite

They're large, small and beefsteak, they come in a multitude of colors including red, green, yellow, brown, purple, pink and even striped, and they have peculiar names (Cherokee Purple, Yellow Pear, Green Zebra, Valencia, Yellow Brandywine and Kellogg's Breakfast, just to name a few). If you have been out and about, browsing around the farmers markets, or your local food store, you will have been hard pressed not to notice these wonderful and weird looking tomatoes. They are in fact one of the main reasons that I call fall one of my favorite 'foodie' times of the year. Heirloom tomatoes have been gaining in popularity, not only because of their beautiful and unique appearance (which can make them a showstopper at any meal), but because their dense flesh and full delicious flavor, has no comparison to modern cultivars. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on some ripe and local varieties (you might just have to remortgage your house, but its worth it!), you will taste nothing fresher or purer... and you will no longer be able to call that hard, bland and round thing you add to your salad all year long, a tomato. Please, do yourself a favor and try the below recipe! Heirloom Tomato Salad Ingredients 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp Dijon 1 tsp sugar 2 tsp sea salt 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - very good quality 5 lbs mixed heirloom tomatoes 1 large buffalo mozzarella, sliced 1 cup small basil leaves or torn basil leaves Directions 1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, dijon, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil in a steady slow stream, while continuing to whisk, until emulsified. 2. Chop tomatoes into large wedges or leave small ones whole. Place in a large bowl. Drizzle in vinaigrette and gently toss to combine. Tear buffalo mozzarella into bite size pieces. 3. Turn out into a large bowl and intermingle tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella. Scatter basil leaves allover and season again with salt and pepper. Perfect food!