Sunday, August 23, 2015

Tomato..tomatoes..tomates..& varia~











So many tomatoes so little time...
Not complaining..how nice is it to pick tomatoes in your backyard..make a savory tart and still have loads leftover.Pocketfuls these days.
I have made this tart before in mini form..I made a long rectangular one this time..used my garlic..my tomatoes..added some fresh herbs to the crust..
I bake mine longer..unfilled..I like a crispier bottom.
I even like reheating it on a grill in the oven w/out the bottom pan.That crust is so darn delicious.. I put less butter..I find it doesn't need a full 1/2 cup(Is that an oxymoron?)
I just know now when handling certain doughs which consistencies I am looking for to get the results I want.
In all honesty I find this tart dough recipe worked better in the smaller tarts..less tomatoes..less filling..the tart stayed crispier.
I think I have OVERMADE  this delicious dinner during the tomato/heat wave..

Pick your ripe tomatoes..or buy..cherry ones..

slice..,add garlic..capers..sliced kalamatas..loads of fresh basil..chives ..red pepper flakes..evoo..basically anything you like..do this early in the morning in a large bowl ,toss..and cover..ideally sitting in the sunshine is amazing..

cook  your pasta of choice..and add to this mix that has been enhancing all day..Parm on top..delicioso.
This time I made 2 sep.dishes from the get go:)

Another of our very fave tomato dishes since last year is Gina's Skinnytaste Baked Chicken Milanese with tomato ad arugula salad..

I always make more of the tomato topping..make it well in advance and I bake the chicken longer..honestly if you have not made it..do try it..you NEED the arugula:)


We rarely eat out..but once every summer I love to go here..




It's a hop skip and a jump away..we eat lunch up on the terrasse..and then go further below and sit by the water's edge.
This is my idea of lunch out:)
I went there as a young girl..a young mom..now I have taken a grandson..and this time it was just J and I.
I think I live in Paradise..  for QC..
Sat...last night..early evening..  I went to see Matt Holubowski..



 it was a  concert..by the water..followed by fireworks..magical.I did not stay for the fireworks..

but someone went:)


To see and hear this young local talent who is like a shooting star ..to stardom...by the water w/ the sun setting..with one of my daughters was just inexplicably..bliss.
He is such a nice..old soul young man...perfectly..but perfectly bilingual and spoke throughout his show impeccably in French and in English..to everyone's delight.
He is most charming if I do say so myself..and to hear him sing..play guitar  AND harmonica..all in the same song(s)..is truly astounding.
He's so cool:)I am sure his mama is just bursting with pride over her children.
Remember my regret at NOT having bought a couple of CD's while in Provence..of artists that were regaling us with their talents?
I said that will would never  happen again;)




Sailboats..and boats..sailed by..the sky's color changed.. the mood was summery and festive..
Jack Layton Park..by the water ,was named after a very courageous politician that grew up in Hudson..I bumped into Valerie Sat. night and she said it was 4 years to the day that Jack Layton had lost his battle with cancer.
He must have felt so honored Sat.night looking down into his birthtown..hearing Matt sing in his glorious namesaked park by the water's edge.
I adore small towns.
And I am so grateful to live in one,whose landscape may change through the seasons..but in truth each has a loveliness and purpose for me.

53 comments:

  1. How I love dropping in to read your blog! The way you write absolutely makes me feel like I an in the middle of your story. Your pictures are vivid and beautiful, oh my, those tomatoes look scrumptious. What a awesome restaurant, truly beautiful. The concert sounds delightful! I love your life in your small down, what a blessing, Nana!
    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  2. It really is a blessing.we all need them:)
    Thanks...you must be feeling soooo much better Nancy!
    Now that!s a blessing!

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  3. Aww love tomatoes Monique :)
    I missed summer tomatoes because in winter we still have tomatoes but thesd in summer are something special!
    How are the boys?
    They are so sweet:)

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    1. The boys are finishing up summer..back to school next week..Oli will. E over later for a visit..
      Summer tomatoes are best here..

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  4. What a beautiful post Monique, and not just because of your gorgeous photographs, but mostly because of the words which accompany them. You take my breath away. I have bought the latest read on my kindle and can't wait to get stuck in. You pick the loveliest books to read! I enjoy them all . . . and the wonder in the children's faces, mesmerizing. I love it all. Like you, we only very rarely eat out. Most times the food ends up being very disappointing. I would rather spend less and eat at home where I know the food will be good. Occasionally though I am surprised when I am out and enjoy the meal. I love it when that happens. Have a beautiful week! xoxo

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    1. I just started the one on the right last night so far so good!
      I'll let you know.
      I am a tough critic..
      Was disappointed with the latest one of Tatiana De Rosnay..not in keeping..
      I loved their little faces too..mommy took those..I was in a hot bath at that point..would have stayed..a mix up of sorts.
      Feel the same way you do..plus we like being home..but for a view..or pretty or darn cute..?
      You too enjoy toute la semaine.

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  5. Always lovely to read your post and see fabulous photos. I'm sure you have a book somewhere inside your head that's waiting to be written. Your tomato dishes looked so lovely no wonder you don't eat at restaurants very often . .

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    1. We have always been no bodies in many ways..now more than ever..c!est la vie.
      Loved your outing Barbara!

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  6. Your tomato photos have captured the essence of summer. I love summer primarily because of the tomatoes. If pressed to answer what is my favorite food, it would be tomatoes. With all of these gorgeous dishes there is no need to eat out. You would never find this beautiful food in a restaurant. I'm particularly fascinated with the tomatoes and lentil dish.
    Sam

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    1. Hi Sam!
      Those are capers..the hot drained pasta will be added to that and swirled..easiest no bake just marinate pasta sauce!

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  7. I estimate that we have another month of tomatoes fresh from the vine. What summer treats they are!! Lovely photos of deliciousness.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  8. I said the same thing to myself as I started your post: so many tomatoes, so little time! Beautiful photos, Monique. Love that tart with floral garnishes.
    I grew up in a town of 2000 and loved it. So I know what you mean...everyone knew everyone (and their business!).
    Happy week!

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    Replies
    1. So true..must admit I am totally out of the loop past 6 years..but during my almost 30 realtor years..yes heard a lot..

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  9. Your photos and stories are so entertaining!

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    1. Pretty evident I don't talk as much as I did years ago.
      Poor you!
      Back to school ?

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    2. Officially not until next Tuesday but I was there all day today and will be there all day tomorrow. And I just finished doing about an hour's worth of paperwork here at home. The preparations just never end. It's like 2 steps forward and one step back. But no complaints.

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    3. I love how you have always loved your profession..even in private.
      Always so up and positive about it..your co workers etc..never a complaint!

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  10. Your tomato tarte at the top looks like a gorgeous watercolor!
    Maybe you should paint it?

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    Replies
    1. Carol..you are the queen of tomato painting..I have never come close to painting the way I did when I followed your tutorials.
      And cherries..strawberries..apricots..coffees and desserts and maps..❤️

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  11. Replies
    1. Tomatoes..make everything look so appetizing don't they?

      The colors..are so visid and fresh..

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  12. Such a beautiful tart. You have a way with photographing food along with other things. Small towns; love 'em. I grew up in one and now we are in one even smaller. But I have a grocery store, a hairdresser and quaint little shops along with beautiful scenery. You have beautiful scenery too. The restaurant looks lovely.

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    1. Thank goodness we have those small things too.. we are getting a Costco..next town over.. unbelievably I can get to it..by meandering along shore shore..it will take 10 minutes..it's amazing to me that we are such a quiet small community and the neighboring town..grew the most in all of QC.. that's why the Costco!
      No highway for me;)
      Hope it doesn't hurt the remaining small shops we have.

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  13. I share your fondness for small towns, Monique. I live in a small community as well. I hope to see QC someday. My Chicago daughter and I talk about driving there from Chicago. Maybe one of these days. I'm going to miss my fresh tomatoes. I pick some every day and have enjoyed more BLT sandwiches than I should eat. Sadly, I can't resist.

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    1. That was my mom's sandwich of choice a BLT:)
      She had great taste!

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  14. what a wonderful tribute this is to the beautiful town you live in, looks like you have had some memorable evenings :)

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  15. Your gorgeous photos made me hungry and what a perfect slice of life.

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  16. I dare to say that you do live in paradise. Those tomatoes are gorgeous as are those kids. And that restaurant? Take me away. And now I am very hungry! You remind me that next year I must plant some borage. Love that garnish!

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  17. Lindo y maravilloso, y que bueno.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  18. I had to smile at your comment about tomatoes. As I look at my kitchen window sill full of them and more ripening on the vine every day, it's a rush to find ways to use them but what a wonderful dilemma! I will be hitting Post on a tomato recipe shortly. I like your idea of the small tarts with a fully baked crust that is not soft after baking. The flower adornments are gorgeous! You must have been able to salvage some of your borage plant after that storm. Another 'must try' along with your fresh tomato pasta that we love with Jacques' basil bread crumbs :) Tonight we are having BLATs for dinner so use up some of the larger tomatoes. What a charming, charming place to have lunch! I love the black shudders and the white wicker chairs and red pillows, the red umbrellas - and the red Adirondack chairs ♥. What a glorious place for a concert. I'll bet one day we'll be hearing him in the U.S. just like Michael Buble. I had never heard of him when you first told me about him. What a wonderful career he has now! I love the faces on the boys looking up at the fireworks! Totally enchanted!

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    1. The borage reseeded!
      I have 2 plants that are blooming and about 8 not..

      so maybe I will have some next yr..I'll see..
      I knew right away it was the borage that had seeded itself..and not weeds!
      You would love that place..that's where I would take you for lunch.
      I love the boys faces too..her cell phone;)

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  19. Gorgeous photos!! I'd love a slice of that awesome tomato tart, please!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  20. Hubby is loving tomatoes this summer, more than I've ever seen in all our years of being married. I am convinced we will need to grown them next summer and will need your help!! :)

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    1. I am not lucky w/ big tomatoes..only cherry ones..ad my daughter also..stick to cherry ones the first year and we can encourage each other:)

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  21. Love this tart! I need to make one. What a beautiful presentation it makes. Of course with the way you style your pictures, it makes it look so professional. I love tomatoes and picking them from your very own garden is a joy.

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    1. I think tomatoes are just plain potogenic..like some people..
      Thanks Linda.

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  22. You got quite a harvest there! Such colour....and the shapes!
    Your pictures and words are always a delight for the soul...
    Those 2 boys look like they are having a ball!
    I spoke with my neighbour at the cottage...he will gladly bring me some more garlic to plant in the fall! I am so excited!
    Enjoy your week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Great..let's plant at the same time:) They can be blogging friends our garlic..s:)

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  23. You're tomatoes should be in a magazine, so beautiful!! I'm eating my weight in them right now in every color imaginable. I know it will be too soon that I'll be dreaming of them.
    What a delightful sounding concert!

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    1. I was fortunate to take in the water this year..more than in a long time...

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  24. Hi Monique, your tomatoes are gorgeous, love all the different varieties and colors. Summer tomatoes are the best!

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    1. Ours in winter are pitiful from most grocers:(
      You are right!

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  25. Love your tomatoes, Monique. That tart should be in a cookery book.
    Your boys are gorgeous. The place where you go out to eat looks so divine.

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  26. Love your tomatoes, Monique. That tart should be in a cookery book.
    Your boys are gorgeous. The place where you go out to eat looks so divine.

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  27. Love your tomatoes, Monique. That tart should be in a cookery book.
    Your boys are gorgeous. The place where you go out to eat looks so divine.

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