Sunday, July 20, 2008

Random Weekend Post

For no particular reason, Ken just happened to move Fried Green Tomatoes to the top of our Netflix queue and it arrived a day or so ago. And by chance, he needed to hack off a big arm of the tomato plant, yielding us these green tomatoes. Coincidence, or fate? I had to make fried green tomatoes, even though I've never made them before and had little interest in them (or in the movie, for that matter).
I followed this recipe. The process is easy (although frying is always a little bit scary). You salt your tomato slices and let them sit. Then you dredge them in this order: milk, flour, beaten egg, and then breadcrumbs. Fry them in olive oil, then salt and pepper them. That's it!
I turned out to love them. I think I loved them more than the other family members. This is not atypical. Is there something about being the cook that makes you love the food more? These are the perfect combination of crisp fried outer layer, and tender, tangy inner goodness. Yummy.
I also dyed playsilks for the boys. The midsummer celebration has been postponed because Faith and Jacob are away with their dad, and I want them to be here for midsummer. Meanwhile, I'm still getting ready and these playsilks are part of that. I want them to come out of the pinata. These are the plain silk scarves from Dharma, dyed with Kool-Ade (for the yellow, orange, and red) and Rit dye for the blue and purple. I'm a little unhappy with my color choices--I went with what I had already purchased but hadn't found the green Kool-Ade yet, or the blue. The Rit dye was something I had on hand from four years ago--Faith and I were going to do tie-dye, and it never got used. I'm not a perfectionist, but I must buy more silks and make some green and lighter blues. I consider them essential. I used this tutorial.

I officially have more zucchini now than I know what to do with. (And those cucumbers in there? Those are a surprise).

14 comments:

Suzanne said...

Fried Green Tomatoe's is one of my top 3 fav's ! How did you like it? Grill that zucchini:-)

Angel Funk said...

Fried green tomatoes are so good! I live in the Southern U.S. and they are a staple.

If you have Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal Vegetable Miracle" there are great zucchini recipes in there!

ames said...

I've never had fried green tomatoes either, but they sure look tasty! And those silks are just gorgeous, but I can see what you mean about the colors. I just *love* the orange one!

If you find any new zucchini recipes, please do share! We were just given 4 big whoppers and I don't know what to do with them other than zucchini bread and frittata.

Meg said...

Last night I just grilled up some zucchini--using a recipe from Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (which I'm reading right now). I also followed your lead and checked out the Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day from the library--and I've been making bread almost daily. And yes, as the one who prepared it, I know I've relished the crustiness of the bread more than anyone else!

Laura said...

The play silks look beautiful!

crunchy peas said...

You may already do this...but I always shred up my zucchini and freeze it in 2 cup portions for bread making all winter. My recipe calls for 2 cups of zucchini so just do whatever your favortie recipe calls for. Zucchini is so expensive in the winter-- and we just love a warm gooey loaf with our cocoa!

Marcy Massura said...

I have never tried Fried Green Tomatoes...but your photos look delicious!.....Can use just regular unripe tomato or is it a special kind?

Mary Beth said...

Hi Marcy. It's just under-ripe tomatoes from the garden. I'm not sure where to get them if you don't have a garden--maybe farmer's market?

Suzanne--the movie? It was pretty good, definitely watchable. The scenes with Kathy Bates were especially cute. On the grilling issue: I don't have a gas grill and hate the charcoal grill. Maybe I'll try the grill pan.

Cruncy Peas--what a great idea. I'll feel all earth goddessey again "putting up" food for winter. Thanks.

Elfin Goddess said...

Hey! Good to have you back! Did u girls have a nice trip??? Can one try this fried tomato recipe with firm red tomatoes.....we dont really get any green tomatoes where I live but lots and lots of lovely red ones.

Mary Beth said...

Elfin Goddess--I'd say, go ahead and try it with red; they just might not have the same tangy flavor. The trip was good. Will probably post on that tomorrow.

Kimberly said...

Zucchini!!?? Did you say squash honey!! I got yer ideas but don't thank me with a bucket a' squash ok???
Grated with beated egg and a bit of cheese makes a great gluten free pizza crust.
Bread (yeah yeah) put in a frittata, grilled, given to unsuspecting neighbors......

Rachael said...

Try that website for I sent you for some more recipes (www.taste.com.au - you may find something new and exciting). Love the silks and think it is so cute that you want to perfect them - you must have green! Looking forward to your midsummer celebrations. How was your trip away?

Sarah said...

I love that movie, but I've never been tempted to try actually eating fried green tomatoes. At least, not until I saw your delicious-looking pictures!

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm - my mouth is watering. But I'll have to wait a while before frying my tomatoes - they're still just flowers right now...