Sweet Tomato Basil Cooler Recipes

SWEET TOMATO "CONSERVA"

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have ready, a bowl of ice water and a spider or slotted spoon. With a paring knife, cut the stems out of the tomatoes and cut an X in the opposite end. Slip the tomatoes into the boiling water and leave them until the skin around the X starts to loosen, 30 seconds to 1 minute. With the spider, scoop the tomatoes into the ice water. When cool enough to handle, slip the skins off the tomatoes and cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds. Set the seeded tomato halves aside.
• Bring 3 cups water, the sugar, cinnamon, and allspice to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Adjust the heat to the lowest setting and let steep for 20 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, and continue to simmer on low heat until the syrup has thickened about another 20 minutes. Cool, then chill. Remove allspice berries and cinnamon sticks. Serve the tomatoes in a compote dish or small bowl, accompanied by the sliced cheese.

SWEET BASIL ROASTED TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450º F.
• Wash, core and cut tomatoes into halves. Spread the tomatoes, garlic and onions onto a baking tray. If using vine cherry tomatoes for garnish, add them as well, leaving them whole and on the vine. Drizzle with 1/2 cup olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until caramelized.
• Remove roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion from the oven and transfer to a large stock pot (reserve vine cherry tomatoes for later). Add 3/4 of the chicken stock, bay leaves and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid has reduced by a third.
• Wash and dry basil leaves. Add to pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return soup to low heat, add half and half and adjust consistency with remaining chicken stock, if necessary. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish in bowl with 3 or 4 roasted vine cherry tomatoes and a splash of half and half.

SWEET BASIL TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, onion, basil, and garlic in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, 30 minutes.