Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Heirloom Tomato Pie

 
     I have a love-hate relationship with tomatoes. I love a beautiful tomato, ripened on the vine. I love to grow it, to look at it, to hold it, even to smell it. I love all of the beautiful colors and shapes of tomatoes, especially the lovely heirlooms with fanciful names like Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter, Kellogg's Breakfast, or Aunt Ruby's German Green. But that's where the love affair takes a turn.

     There are those who would take a warm, ripe tomato and take a bite out of it, the juice running down their chins. Here's where I have to make my true confession: I am not one of those. I am not a raw tomato eater. Okay, I'll tolerate them in salsa, or on a sandwich, or sometimes even in a salad, but I really do not like crave tomatoes in their natural state. Cook those tomatoes, however, and I'm there. Stewed, sauced, roasted- I love them!


     I saw  this tomato pie on the cover of the latest Food Network magazine, and I knew right away that I had to make it. Beautiful (cooked) heirloom tomatoes of all colors and sizes adorn the top of this cheesy pie baked to perfection. It's full of caramelized onions nestled in a crust crunchy with cornmeal and shredded cheese, and it's a beautiful way to savor the quintessential summer fruit. Paired with a salad, a slice of it makes a lovely dinner, and I hope you have a chance to try it while tomatoes are at their very best!

     You can find Food Network's recipe for Heirloom Tomato Pie here. I followed the recipe as it was written, except I substituted globe basil for thyme and cut back on the salt in both the crust and the filling. I also spread about a Tablespoonful of Dijon mustard over the bottom of the baked pie shell before I added the fillings. The pie shell was a bit time consuming, so if you're in a pinch for time, try a regular one. If you can't find the Manchego cheese (I had to make a trip to Wegman's for it!) I suggest using Parmesan, Asiago or Romano. If you don't have heirloom tomatoes, any beautiful vine ripened tomatoes will do. Really, how can you go wrong with baked tomatoes and melty cheese?




 


74 comments:

  1. As Carrian said, that looks delicious, so delicious I cant stop staring at it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mmm heirloom tomatoes are just divine aren't they! I love them raw if they are sweet although cooking them does seem to increase sweetness :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have always wanted to make a tomato pie and yours sure looks great.
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think it's so interesting how many people don't like raw tomatoes, but enjoy them cooked! Though I can't see how anyone wouldn't love something like this! It sounds sooo good and looks beautiful!

    Sues

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was just thinking today whether to make a tomato tart or onion tart! I did not make either, took a nap instead! :)
    Your pie looks delicious! You are right, what can go wrong when tomato and cheese comes together!
    Have a lovely day, Betty!

    ReplyDelete
  6. it is just beautiful. simply beautiful and such a great representation of using fresh veggies and how they are by themselves amazing. Love this and will be making soon

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love tomatoes in every form and your homemade pie is my idea of a little slice of heaven on earth! Looks like you found a wonderful summer recipe, thanks for passing it along;-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. That looks amazing! Just need for the tomatoes to ripen...

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm with you. I was never a fan growing up but learned to appreciate them as an adult. Still, you will never see me sprinkle with salt bite into one like an apple. Nope, can't see me doing that. But I love dishes like this when the good vine ripened ones are available.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can't wait for my tomatoes to ripen....so many fun recipes to try with the Heirloom tomatoes. Your pie looks amazing:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm with you too (and sis.boom). I don't even really like tomatoes on my sandwiches or burger. But love them cooked. I have this issue of FNM and now you have me craving this tart. It is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I know it's as delicious as it looks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Heirloom tomatoes always give me trouble. They're never ripe enough for my tastes, but maybe it's because I lean towards the vine-ripened tomatoes. Your tomato pie looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm a pretty equal opportunist when it comes to cooked v. raw tomatoes...but heirlooms are the unequivocal tomato loves of my life. This is one gorgeous pie!

    ReplyDelete
  14. That is a really fine looking pie. I'm a tomato lover and enjoy them every which way. I know I love the way you've used them here. Your pie sounds wonderful and begs to be tried. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have never made a tomato pie before....about time! This looks so delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a gorgeous tomato pie! You always have yummy recipes and this one looks like no exception :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mmm, fresh local tomatoes are one of my favorite summer treats. This pie is really beautiful, Betty, and I've been thinking about making a tomato pie! I'm off to check out the recipe. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Looks fabulous!!! Great idea to add the dijon mustard on the crust before adding the toppings! I could eat a tomato pie every day! YUM!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love tomatoes both cooked and raw, love growing them as well :) This looks fantastic and so delicious :)
    Wishing you a lovely weekend...

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just love tomatoes! Your pie looks amazing : )

    ReplyDelete
  21. This sounds really wonderful! I know I would love it:) My husband is the same way; he is not a fan of raw tomatoes and won't even eat them in a salad, but cooked he loves them.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Heirloom tomatoes will be available at the farmer's market before too long and this looks like the perfect way to prepare them.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the rustic looking pie. The crust is incredible, and the heirloom tomatoes look so pretty and yummy. I would even make this savory pie with just all red tomatoes. Yumm'
    BTW-I have an award for you to claim at my blog. Stop by when you get a chance, and just copy and paste and pass it on to bloggers of your choice!

    ReplyDelete
  24. It sounds like you were describing how I feel about tomatoes too! Grape or cherry tomatoes are the only ones I'll eat raw. I'm not sure if I'll eat a tomato pie - I like how your pie looks rustic and country, by the way - but I like a napoletana pizza. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I adore tomato tarts...and yours looks spectacular!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I bought this issue of Food Network magazine too. Wasn't it just the most beautiful thing? You did a fabulous job with yours.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Perfect timing now that I've got tomatoes ripening too fast for me to pick them! Now following and I'd like to invite you to share this or any recipe over on my weekend blog hop where 8 bloggers are featured each week! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hehe, you sound like my husband ;) I am the opposite. Give me tomatoes in any state and I love them. I make several tomato tarts and know how good they can be. This recipe sounds amazing, looks it too. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I will eat a ripe tomato any way you give it to me - raw cooked pureed ... anyway at all. And this way for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love tomatoes but they have to be combined with something else, as in salad or on a sandwich or burger.

    What a fantastic recipe - I'm copying this!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I thought at first the crust was whole wheat! Cornmeal is an interesting ingredient...I like crusts better than the filling much of the time! Heirloom tomatoes are lovely and this pie, which I've never seen before, looks marvelous. Love the caramelized onions. I eat tomatoes any way...raw or cooked.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This pis is gorgeous! Almost to pretty to eat...note I said ALMOST :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I saw this in the magazine and yours looks delicious. I agree with you on the tomatoes; they're great on a sandwich with an egg and bacon but other than that they need to be cooked. My husband loves them raw and many days he took one to work and ate it like an apple. Ugh! Too funny with the Heirloom name, Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter! This recipe is a must try for me! Thanks for posting it!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I never have a hate-relationship with tomatoes. I love tomatoes in all forms and this pie looks mouth-watering.

    ReplyDelete
  35. You and me both! I love using tomatoes...but I don't think I ever eat them on their own. This pie however? HEAVENLY. Thank you for sharing another beautiful recipe. I hope you had a lovely weekend, and I hope you have an even lovelier week. Many blessings and much love...

    ReplyDelete
  36. heirloom tomatoes are better than all other kinds in so many ways, not the least of which is their lovely appearance. they'd make a gorgeous and delicious pie, that's for sure. terrific work, betty! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. This looks just plain heavenly! And how did I not know there was a Food Network Magazine??? ~ Courtney

    ReplyDelete
  38. I too like my tomatoes cooked. This tart is looking amazing! It sounds really really delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  39. That is definitely gorgeous! Although, I am one of those people who love to take a warm, juicy heirloom from the vine and devour it immediately ;)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Heirloom tomatoes are my absolute favorite!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow Betty, your tomato pie looks delicious, what a lovely meal!
    Hope you are having a fantastic week :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I like cooked tomatoes better too. Your tomato pie looks scrumptious.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Betty,
    I saw your pie a week ago and shared with my friends on stumble upon but I knew I have to come back to leave a comment.
    I love tomatoes, I could eat the at any meal, either raw or cooked.
    I have some heirloom tomato plants, can't wait to pick some and make this tart. Sounds delicious!!
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is such a beautiful, colorful tart. The crust looks crispy and yummy! Crusts are my downfall-I don't make good ones, but I love good crusts. They can make or break something for me. I can't wait until the heat wave is over so I can start baking again!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Betty you won my giveaway. Would you send me your address please so I can get the book to you? Laura at thecookingphotographer.com

    Thanks!

    L

    ReplyDelete
  46. Have you tried them sprinkled with some salt? I could eat them raw with salt all day long!! But I also love them cooked, and this looks absolutely delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks so much for sharing this great tomato pie recipe last week on Fresh Food Friday/Seasonal Saturday. I also saw it on the magazine cover and thought it would be delicious! I loved your recipe post so much that it is one of the featured posts this weekend! I hope that you can stop by, check it out, grab the 'featured' button, and share another recipe or two from any date! I'm so glad to have found you thru my link-up!

    ReplyDelete
  48. This looks so fantastic. We have a bumper crop of tomatoes this year so of course I am in need of tasty recipes.
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  49. Although I pretty much eat my tomatoes raw this time of year, you make a good case for this recipe. Maybe I should try.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Gorgeous! The colors alone are tasty! My tomatoes are done this year, but I may have to search some out just to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  51. This looks great. Reminds me of a pizza pie!

    ReplyDelete
  52. i have been out picking tomatoes...and am making this pie !!!

    kary
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh this is just beyond awesome looking!! Really this looks so delicious and I really want to make this soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. My husband is not a tomato eater either...although I am! This might be a nice middle point for us!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am not a raw tomato eater either.
    This pie/tart looks more like my type of tomato - I love baked/roasted tomatoes. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm the type of person who loves raw and cooked tomatoes. Your Heirloom Tomato Pie looks delicious. I haven't ever had one though. Yours makes me want to.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I don't eat tomatoes in their raw state either. They have to be mixed it with something or in a sandwich. Or roasted with tons of cheese! This looks beautiful though, I love all the colors!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for your message, so sweet of you :) Foxes are awful :(
    I love the look of your tartlet! Yum! I love growing heirloom tomatoes, so pretty and so yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I know I agree - I like tomatoes but would prefer them cooked too, just like in this pie!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi lovely lady.
    This looks so yummy sweet lady.
    Im your newest follower on your Blog, hope you come join my tablescapes. I also hope you have a great week.
    XXOO Diane

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi lovely lady. Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my new Tablescapes. I hope you will come back next week for my new one. I also hope you will come follow my blog Thanks so much.
    XXOO Diane

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love tomatoes every which way, love apples indeed! Your pie looks beautiful, I love the fresh herbs on top.

    ReplyDelete
  63. holy moly this looks good!
    i used to hate tomatoes raw, but now i LOVE them. i don't know what happened!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Heirloom tomatoes are the best, but I don't care for raw tomatoes by themselves much either. On a hamburger, or in a salad isn't too bad. But your tomato pie looks amazing--just beautiful and the perfect way to enjoy heirloom tomatoes!

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is a beautiful tomato heirloom pie. I love tomatoes! My husband is just like you he cannot stand the idea of eating a raw tomato-when it's cooked, he still frets about chunks. Yet, he loves to grow them too.

    Velva

    ReplyDelete
  66. This pie looks divine! I love tomato pie and your crust looks heavenly!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Ha ha , me love to eat raw toms , specially the ones u described !
    The tart pic looks rite out of a mag sweety, stunning and very delish am sure!
    That crust is so pretty too!
    Oh am sure the basil made things even better !
    SUnshine day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  68. I LOVE tomato pie. This looks amazing - I will have to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Oh holy delicious-ness! This savory pie just LOOKS like summer with all of those fresh tomatoes :) Thank you so much for sharing this one with us--we're scrambling to keep up with all of the fresh tomatoes my parents keep sending us from their garden.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I am glad you turned on your tomato love for this tart! Looks delish and the crust rocks!
    Megan

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by scrambled hen fruit! I appreciate all of your comments and look forward to reading them.

Related Posts with Thumbnails