Heirloom Tomato Herb Pasta Salad Food

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
• With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
• When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

MARINATED TOMATO SALAD WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Cut the tomatoes into 4 wedges, then cut the wedges in half and add to a bowl. Lop off the tops of the green onions, then slice the white and mostly light green parts really thin. Add to the tomatoes.
• Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dash of salt and pepper to a jar. Screw on the lid and shake to combine. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss.
• Add the herbs and gently toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

HERBED TOMATO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Stir together tomatoes, sugar, and herbs in a large bowl until combined well. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain. Add hot pasta to tomato mixture. Cook garlic in olive oil in a 1-quart saucepan over moderately high heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add garlic with oil to pasta and tomatoes and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND HERB PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Whisk together oil, creme fraiche, vinegar, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. 2. Coarsley chop tomatoes and toss with shallot and dressing. Marinate at least 10 minutes. 3. Cook pasta; drain and immediately add to tomatoes. Cool to warm or room temperature, do not chill. Stir in herbs and serve.