Tomato Basil Water Food

ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
• In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

SWEET TOMATO BASIL COOLER

Steps:

• Prepare the garnish by cutting a small X in the top and bottom of the cherry tomato. Skewer a paper straw through the two X's and set aside.
• Fill a small bowl with 1/4 inch water. Mix the basil sugar with the salt on a small plate.
• Dip the rim of an 8- to 10-ounce rocks glass in the water then in the basil sugar mixture. Add two or three 1-inch ice cubes to the rimmed glass, carefully pour in the tomato basil shrub then top with the sparkling water. Stir with the prepared straw, adjust the tomato so it sits about 1/2 inch above the rim and serve.
• Combine the tomatoes, basil sugar and salt in a small saucepan and stir together to start to dissolve the sugar and break down the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes, until the tomatoes are saucy and the skins are loosened, 25 to 30 minutes. (No need to add water; there will be plenty of liquid from the tomatoes.)
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl, pressing as much juice as possible through the sieve; discard the solids. Transfer the shrub to a glass jar and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying so the flavors can meld together. The shrub can be refrigerated for up for 2 weeks. Makes about 2 cups.
• Combine the sugar and basil in a mini food processor and pulse until the basil is finely chopped and blended into the sugar. You might need to stop and stir occasionally to help disperse the basil. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

CANNED WHOLE TOMATOES WITH BASIL AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Place 4 quart jars or 8 pints along with the two-piece caps in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and drain. Heat jars and lids in simmering water (180 degrees) and allow them to stand there until ready to use.
• Select fresh Roma Tomatoes at their peak of quality. Use firm tomatoes, free of cracks and spots. Remove the stem and using a paring knife make a small "X" cut through the skin on the top of the tomato. Place large stock pot on the stove filled with water and bring to a rolling boil. Place the tomatoes in a wire basket and lower them into the boiling water. Blanch tomatoes 30 to 60 seconds or until the skin at the top of the tomato starts to peel away from the "X" mark carved into the top. Dip the tomatoes immediately into cold water to stop the cooking process. Once again using the paring knife, slip the skins off the tomatoes beginning at the "X" mark and leave the Roma Tomatoes whole. Place the peeled tomatoes into another large sauce pot adding just enough water to cover by one inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook tomatoes 5 minutes. While tomatoes are cooking, remove the canning jars from the hot water along with the lids and place on a towel. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in each jar. Carefully pack the hot tomatoes into the jar placing 2 Basil leaves and 4 cloves of garlic into each jar at alternating levels for eye appeal. Carefully ladle the hot cooking liquid over the tomatoes leaving one half inch of head space. Top with 1 teaspoon each of salt and Hot Sauce.
• Move the jar gently to remove any air bubbles that may have formed around the tomatoes. Repeat two or three times. Screw down the lid and rim firmly onto the jar and place in a simmering water bath for approximately 45 minutes. Remove from hot water and set aside to cool. Once cool, check lids for proper sealing, label and store in a cool, dark place.

FRESH TOMATO BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• In large saucepan, cook tomatoes and basil over medium-low heat until tomatoes are soft.
• Meanwhile, in medium skillet, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent.
• Add onion mixture to tomato mixture and add salt and pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 2 hours or until thick.