How to make a tomato paste… (Insert punch line about a glue gun and/or scrapbooking at knife point)

-OR-

How to recycle old tomatoes in 2 minutes:


Problem: I bought a few too many tomatoes and they are now looking pretty rangey (the skin is puckering, it’s extra squishy, there may be one or two moldy spots, etc.) Basically, while most of the fruit is ok, these have surpassed their BLT days and I don’t have time to cook with them tonight (happy hour starts in 10!) so they’ll just be thrown out.

This sandwhich has pan grilled zucchini (about to go bad) tomato-bruschetta, goat cheese and roasted red peppers everything drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper.

Solution: Make a bruschetta-like topping and freeze for later. No cooking required. Can be frozen and used as a pizza sauce or a tasty addition to a veggie soup, salsa, used to simmer chicken breast in it etc. Can also be used immediately or within a day on bread to make true brushcetta. This can also be dumped into an open jar of salsa to freshen it up and extend it. Also great on a bagel with cream cheese, added to a can of soup to cut the saltiness and give it zing. Uses are basically endless. Probably someone has tried to smoosh it on their face as an exfoliant.

Directions: Wash thoroughly and cut out any surface blemishes or moldy spots (puckered skin need not be removed). Cut in half and squeeze out seeds over sink (I don’t mind the seeds, they add a little crunch so I leave them in, but many people don’t like them in sauces). Cut into a few rough pieces and throw into a blender or food processor add one clove of fresh garlic per tomato, a dash of olive oil, a few fresh basil leaves or a good teaspoon of dried basil salt and pepper to taste, dried red pepper flakes are also a nice addition. Pulse until desired consistency (rougher for brushetta bread topping or a margherita-style pizza), then just freeze.

If really strapped for time, throw in blender add nothing, then freeze. Spice can always be added later.

Long story short: chop up then freeze old tomatoes to avoid having to throw them away. In two minutes you have salvaged your pricey tomatoes, made a perfect base for an easy meal or snack another day, no guilt and still 8 minutes left to make it for the 2 for 1’s at happy hour.