Tomato season is in full swing and that can only mean one thing – toasted tomato sandwiches are the only rational lunch option from here on out. When I was growing up a tomato sandwich was not a seasonal thing, it was a survival thing. For a few years there, the 2-3 slices of tomatoes on my sandwich were all that was standing between me and scurvy. I was never a fussy eater but was prone to food obsessions. I loved eating the same things repeatedly. These days I try to limit my intake to August and September when tomatoes are at their peak. But even within that small window, it is possible to get bored. Thankfully, the tomato sandwich is endlessly riff-able. Today’s Tomato Halloumi Sandwich with Fried Basil is one such riff.
Bloody Mary Spritz
Lately, I’ve been researching savory cocktails. It’s not that I have anything against sweet\fruity drinks. I just don’t find them particularly compelling. And overly sweet beverages? I cannot stress enough how much I dislike them. A drink should have a lot more going on than just sweetness. You’re not popping a straw into a Capri-Sun after all. I do like the taste of alcohol, I don’t need it to be masked. But savory cocktails take things even further. They don’t just balance the sweet with the alcohol burn. They put the sweet in the back seat in favor of notes of feta brine, pickle brine, tomatoes, celery, and/or fish sauce. And if this all sounds gross to you, I promise it is not. Plus, they double as an appetizer, which is just economical. Today’s Bloody Mary Spritz definitely fits the cocktail/appetizer description.
Tomato Kimchi Cheddar Omelette
Summer offers ample opportunities to linger over breakfast. The world slows down in the heat. There is a general air of exuberance and freedom. And it feels like everyone is on vacation even when they’re not. There is truly no better time to roll out an indulgent, lazy brunch and today’s Tomato Kimchi Cheddar Omelette fits the bill perfectly. This lighter-than-air souffle omelet is packed to the gills with blistered cherry tomatoes, ribbons of kimchi, and a sprinkling of sharp white cheddar. Hitting all the tangy, sweet, and savory notes, this flavor combo is one for the books.
Bourbon Cherry Cola Slushies
I’m sure you don’t need a random woman on the internet to tell you it’s hot, but I will do it anyway. It’s hot! I love summer but even for me, the hot humid weather can be a slog. And that’s why it pays to have many cooling options on hand. My favorite fix will always be a quick dip in a cool body of water. But until I have a pool permanently at my disposal, I will settle for the more attainable option – these Bourbon Cherry Cola Slushies. This playful drink features a smooth bourbon-spiked cola slushy served with a cherry kirsch granita on top. And because presentation is everything, the slushies are finished with a swirl of whipped cream and a single bourbon-soaked cherry.