Everyday Italian

Growing tomatoes is a luxury that I can't explain. The taste always explodes with flavor, the kind that even Giada would love. In the rare times that I watch her show I am amazed at her expression for food. Its as if flavor takes you back to those Islands, to a place that most of us won't ever see but will only believe in the things that her pretty little mouth tells us. I believe Giana, I trust her flavors and I am always interested in her travels because most of every one enjoy Italian.

This week I marinated some home-grown tomatoes using a recipe from "The secrets of Success Cookbook" by Michael Bauer. This week the Breakfast Boats in a Great way to start your day, sailed into Lunch with Brushetta on the side instead of the eggs to create an Italian Creation. Thank you Larissa for sharing your brilliance.

Marinated Tomatoes

8 Roma tomatoes, peeled
(submerse in boiling water for a minute)
1 cup (or more) Extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 (or more) basil leaves, torn into pieces
1 tsp sea salt, or as needed
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (or more)

Balsamic vinegar to taste

-Cut peeled tomatoes in half lengthwise and cut each half into eighths. Add 1/2 cup of the olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed. Gently squeeze the tomato mixture with your hands to distribute the flavor and release juices. Cover and set aside in a cool place for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours before serving.