Sep 29 2008
Tomato appetizer platter
Published by Laylita at 6:39 pm under Appetizers, Cheese, Europe, Kid friendly, Pacific Northwest, Quick, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Yes, summer is officially over, but here in the Pacific Northwest we are getting a final taste of summer with a sunny week -we deserve it- and plenty of summer produce items available at the local farmers market, including mouth-watering heirloom tomatoes, I can’t get enough of them; they are one of the vegetables –ok, technically a fruit - that I miss the most during the winter. This tomato appetizer platter is a mix and match spin on the well-known caprese salad, it has the same ingredients plus a little bit more, we all know that tomato, mozzarella and basil are perfect together, but that slice of tomato also tastes great with some goat cheese or maybe with a slice of aged cheddar, add a little bit of garlic balsamic vinegar, some olive oil and a basil leaf or maybe a sprig of oregano or thyme, with or without bread, you choose, try as many combinations as you like. A mix & match tomato platter is also a great way to try different types of cheese, olive oils from different parts of the world – compare an olive oil from Chile or Lebanon to one from Italy -, different types of vinegar – a nice aged balsamic, a fig balsamic vinegar, or just mix some crushed garlic with some balsamic or red wine vinegar to add some spiciness. I also like to add a bowl of cherry tomatoes for the kids – ok, also for the adults – and of course if you’re a wine lover this appetizer just begs for a nice glass of red wine to toast to the last flavors of the summer.
Ingredients:
Ripe heirloom tomatoes
Cheese assortment
Balsamic vinegar assortment
Olive oil assortment
Fresh herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, etc
A loaf of bread or a rustic baguette
Salt and pepper
Preparation:
Slice the tomatoes and arrange them on a platter with the cheese and herbs.
Serve with the olive oil, vinegar, and bread on the side.
Beautiful! A refined, colorful and delicious platter!
Cheers,
Rosa
Layla,
That has got to be heaven on a platter right there. Those flavors are truly in my top 5 of all time. And the heirloom tomatoes…I’m drooling over here! Nothing could be more luscious…gorgeous photos as always…what a TREAT!
Wow what a platter - Great presentation!!
really fresh, herbaceous, and wonderful.
What a gorgeous spread. Very beautiful colors and all my favorite herbs, cheese, and tomatoes! Your weather looks wonderful this week, better than ours!
Wow! Look at those heirlooms. MOUTH WATERING! I also love tomatoes with goat cheese! They really compliment each other.
Summer is over too on Vancouver Island. There is nothing like a good tomatoes. Beautiful pictures!
This looks so fresh and gorgeous! Congrats on being on Serious Eats Blogwatch! !
These have to be some of the most gorgeous photos I’ve ever seen. What a beautiful assortment of flavors!
those tomatoes look absolutely beautiful. i am so sad the end of the season is nearing!
Beautiful presentation!
Paz