When Meryll Rose from Channel 5’s Talk of The Town sent me a message saying, “Do you wanna Zoom cook with me?”– the answer was a definite yes! I miss my Channel 5 family, miss blogging and cooking with friends and this seemed like the perfect way to get some of that positive feeling back in the kitchen. The recipe we picked is Curried Squash Soup – tune in Wednesday at 11:00 to watch.
Today I’m cooking with gifts from friends. My sweet husband has been under the weather for a while now and to help us out and cheer us up, friends have been leaving surprise produce bags at the door.
One day it was perfectly ripe tomatoes from the farmer’s market, another day beautiful peaches from The Peach Truck.
Looking at that bounty sitting on the kitchen counter was the inspiration for this gorgeous and unusual salad. Technically we all know tomatoes are a fruit, but it’s not what you really think of when it’s time to make a milk shake or jazz up that morning bowl of cereal. Still…peaches and tomatoes could be just the thing with the right dressing, a few well-chosen fresh herbs and whatever cheese (there is always cheese) is in the fridge. My bee-keeping husband gets so tickled when I cook with his honey so using it in a dressing was a no brainer. Basil seemed an obvious choice but the backyard crop of tarragon is going crazy and it’s a favorite herb here. Most of the time we all prefer a salad that has been chilled, but the rich taste of the tomatoes and juicy peaches just needs to sit at room temp for about 30 minutes to let those marvelous flavors have a chance to meld. Cheese options were a goat gouda and cotija. The saltiness of the cotija had to win that toss up and that was that.
Hands down I think you will agree that this is not only the prettiest salad but one of the most surprisingly refreshingly delicious salads you have ever made. It’s a perfect first course or could even be a light lunch with a bit of toasted sour dough bread (Isn’t everyone making that now?) However, you serve it- for your family or just for you because you deserve it, give this a try and you’ll be happy. It tastes like summer. Enjoy!
Tomatoes and Peaches with Honey Dressing
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut in bite sized pieces
3 ripe peaches, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon (or substitute herbs of choice)
2 Tbsp crumbled cotija or goat cheese (or any crumbly cheese you like)
Dressing
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
¼. Cup olive oil
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Shake it all up in a jar with a tight lid
Directions
Combine tomatoes, peaches, and tarragon in a salad bowl.
Toss with the dressing and top with cheese.
