Tomato and Beans

Beans and Tomatoes, does it say summer any better?  Just like our strawberries, tomatoes any other time of year or any other place, just never taste the same. I may be partial to our produce because I see the care and dedication that each and every farmer puts into all the crops, but I have decided their taste is the best as well.  Tomatoes and green beans are tasty hot or cold.  So much so, the same recipe can be used as a salad with a marinate or heated just to warm which allows the feta to create a slight sweetness.

When you're in the pick-your-own fields this week, stop for a moment of gratitude for all the dedication that goes into the fields during the hot days of summer.

Cooking, Serving It! Bean and Tomato Salad 1 lb. green beans (steamed or boiled) 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1/2 small red onion ½ cup black beans (optional) Feta cheese Dressing 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon assorted herbs – rosemary, oregano, basil Salt/pepper Make the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Cut green beans into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Dice red onion and halve cherry tomatoes. Place in a bowl and gently toss in dressing. Serving cold: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to marinate. When ready to serve, add feta and lightly toss. Serving warm: Sprinkle feta on top, bake in a 350F oven for approximately 20 minutes until warm and feta begins to get soft.

Freezing It! Green beans can be frozen very easily.  Blanch 2-3 minutes, toss in ice water, drain, pat dry and freeze. There are some who say no blanching needed.  I blanch my vegetables for preservation as it stops the enzymes from changing the produce’s texture.  If I’m particularly lazy and time is at a minimum, I will some times not blanch.  There are some veggies that difference is minimal.  Green beans are one of them.  Especially if you’re going to be putting them in soups, casseroles and only freezing them for the short term.

Storing It!                         Fresh green beans store great in plastic bags or reusable container in the crisper bin for a up to 7 days after picking.