4 ways to eat tomatoes this summer

and other things I did this week

Happy Monday, y’all 🤠 One of my goals this month is to write at least two newsletters. This is today’s, and you can look forward to one later in the month where I’ll recap my upcoming trip to the Catskills. Holding myself to it.

In personal news, I got a job! I’ll be working close to food, so that’s a step in a good direction. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my grueling job search it’s that good things come to those who are patient and that hard work does indeed pay off — not to toot my own horn or anything. Life is going to be so weird when No Pressure Summer ends. Trying to let the excitement outweigh the anxiety.

Tomato season

🍅 If there’s one thing New Jersey got right, it’s tomatoes. During this happy season of tomato abundance, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them.

1. With crusty bread, mayo, and lettuce: If I ever open a sandwich shop, I would call this one The Don because my Pop taught me how to eat them this way. Add things like spicy mustard, Old Bay, avocado, or onions. If you want to respect your farmers-market-fresh rubies, this is the most respectful way to do it.

2. With fried capers: Maura and I cooked dinner for the family last Thursday. I used two Carla Lalli Music recipes, but the one that fits into this category is her Tomato and Fried Caper Salad. Similar linked here.

3. With banana peppers and feta: Last summer when I was living in New York, one of my go-to dinners was a pile of grilled veggies topped with banana peppers and feta cheese. The original recipe is from Bon Appétit and sadly does NOT contain any tomatoes, but I highly rec you add them to the mix. You can get the recipe in this issue.

4. With radishes, herbs, and parm: As pictured on my Instagram here.

Patio pizza

🍕 Two Christmases ago, my mom got my dad an Ooni pizza oven. Although it’s a bit of a nightmare getting pies in and out of it and on the table in one fell swoop, it’s a super fun summer activity! Last week we used store bought dough (don’t tell my uncles, they’ll be disappointed) to make personal pizzas. I topped mine with arugula because I believe pizza is just an edible salad plate. Dad and I did some research on how to get the crust perfectly crisp, so I’ll report back when we use it again.

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Trader Joe’s trips

🛒 Living at home has truly been a blessing, but I do miss grocery shopping for myself. Maura and I like to hit TJ’s once a week for the family. Here’s what’s typically on our list:

• Something sweet — either cookies or Scandinavian Swimmers

• Coffee — darkest roast for my parents, something lighter for little ole me

• Frozen faves include falafel, enchiladas, and fried rice

• Kombucha or sparkling apple cider vinegar drink

• Peanut butter

• Tortilla chips