Heirloom Tomatoes and Summer Time

September is here which means summer is coming to an end, and fresh Heirloom Tomato’s are growing away. Heirloom tomato’s come in all different shapes, sizes and colors; which is an exciting addition to any meal. These tomatoes also come in different flavors range from high acidity to mild and almost sweet. It just depends on the Heirloom you pick while you are at the local farmers market or grocery store. These tomatoes are such a fun way to brighten up a dish you maybe preparing for friends and family. Heirloom tomatoes can be used for an appetizer or as a side dish.

Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Whipped Feta

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 1/3 pound) 
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 nectarines, quartered and sliced into wedges
• 1 pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick and halved
• 1/4 cup marcona almonds
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley

• Flaky sea salt for serving

How to Make It

Step 1    

In the bowl of a small food processor, combine the feta with the milk and olive oil and process until smooth. Press the cheese through a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl to discard any cheese crumbles. The mixture should be very smooth.

Step 2    

Add the whipped feta to a large serving plate and top with the nectarine and tomato slices. Add the almonds to top and drizzle the fruit lightly with olive oil. Finish by garnishing with chopped mint and parsley and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt to serve.

 Wine Pairing Suggestions 

When you planning meals to enjoy that have tomato’s it can be difficult to pair wines due to the acidity and brightness you experience on your taste buds. You have two options when it comes to pairing wines with your tomato’s dishes. Option one, you can match the acidity and option two is to pair the acidity with a slightly sweet wine. If you are second-guessing what wines to pair with the Heirloom tomatoes or tomatoes in general, you can keep in mind a dry Champagne or Sparkling Wines. The Champagne and Sparkling Wines will cut the acidity and if you are having the tomatoes as an appetizer the bubbles will awaken your taste buds to be able to enjoy the rest of the meal.

 In pairing this particular dish with the feta cheese heirloom tomatoes and nectarines we would recommend a Sauvignon Blanc from Frogs Leap. This wine has bright acidity to match the heirloom tomatoes and nectarines bright acidity. The stone fruit and citrus notes in the wine will match nicely. The feta cheese will bring out the roundness in the wine leaving you wanting more.   

**This recipe is an except from Food and Wine.