T is for Tomato and Tea

Today I wanted to bring you something southern,

 and what is more southern than an Alabama tomato?

This recipe was given to me by my friend Lyndsey. If you haven't met Lyndsey, you are missing out. She is totally awesome: she is always so fun to talk to; she cuts my hair; she makes soap; she has a fun blog (Misch Masch); she does it all. Thanks for sharing Lyndsey!

 Tomato Tart

For topping:

• 2T butter
• 1 1/2t sugar
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1T apple cider vinegar
• Salt and Pepper

For Pastry: 

• 3/4 cup of all purpose flour
• 1t dried oregano
• 1t dried basil
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 4T cold water

Melt the butter in skillet on medium high heat and add sugar. Turn the stove off and stir in the tomato, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spoon into four 4" ramekins. 
In a medium bowl combine flour, oregano, basil, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry mixer or fork until the mixture looks like wet saw dust. Stir in water to make the dough. Roll out the dough to 1/4" thick and cut out four 4" circles. Top the ramekins with dough and poke vent holes with a fork.

 

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees until the crust is golden brown. Run a knife around the edges of the tart and flip it over on a plate. 

Southern Godfather

For some time now my drink of choice has been a godfather, whiskey and amaretto. I first had it when me and the Mrs. went out for sushi and decided to order for each other the whole night. (Mrs ordered me a Godfather, edamame, and a Candy Cane Roll (avocado, cucumber, with salmon and tuna) in case you were wondering) I had this take on the Godfather at a birthday party and my tastebuds tingled. It was everything I loved about the original with a southern twist, y'all!

•  6 cups black tea
• 2 cups of whiskey
• 3/4 cup of amaretto
• 1/2 cup of mint simple syrup**
• 2T fresh lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Serve in a highball glass on ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice.**To make ahead, mix 1/4 cup of water and sugar in a cup. Microwave for 2 minutes and stir until sugar is dissolved. Put about 8 mint leaves in hot simple syrup and let steep for ten minutes. Let cool before adding it to the Southern Godfather.

-J