Heirloom Tomatoes With Tarragon Recipes

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
• With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
• When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATOES AND TARRAGON

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, halve tomatoes lengthwise. Squeeze gently to remove most of seeds; discard seeds. Chop tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, and transfer to a bowl; set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low. Add shallots; cook until golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Stir in tomatoes until coated with oil; season generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain; return to pot. Pour tomato mixture over pasta; add tarragon and Parmesan. Toss to combine. Divide among four bowls; top with additional Parmesan, if desired.

STACKED TOMATOES WITH TARRAGON INFUSED OIL

Steps:

• Heat oil and add garlic, tarragon bring to a sizzle and turn heat off. Let sit for 30 minutes.
• Add pepper and vinegar.
• In a container with a top, place the zucchini and onions pour the dressing over it. Marinade for 30 minutes.
• Remove zucchini and onions placing on a plate.
• To the marinade add the tapenade and give a shake.
• On four serving plates start to layer.
• By first placing the largest tomato, sprinkle of dressing, next layer avocado slices dividing all of the avocado on each of four plates.
• Then place the next largest slice of tomato over the avocado drizzle with a touch of dressing.
• Top each stack with the next largest tomato slice, then with zucchini slices to cover tomato.
• Top with the next largest tomato and top with onion slices.
• Finishing by topping the smallest of the tomato slices.
• Garnish with cheese. The cheese can also go in between each layer if desired.
• Drizzle the remaining dressing over the stacks.
• Place one sprig of tarragon into each stack for a beautiful presentation.