Garden rubies and no place like home

In an August garden full of gems, tomatoes hang like rubies.

We wait for them all year and then eat them as fast as our constitution allows.

Homegrown tomatoes finally made their way to our neck of the woods and my salads couldn’t be happier.

They showed up on our family text chain as well, fat slices in sandwiches and round pops of flavor in protein bowls.

Summer tomatoes have so much flavor you can eat them fresh off the vine. Last night I sprinkled flaky salt on a few slices and ate them standing at the sink.

When it’s harvest time in Wisconsin, people can be very generous with their bounty. Earlier this week, I walked through our lunchroom at work and saw a whole mound of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers on the counter, free for the taking.

Of course, I helped myself to a few.

My neighbor brought me a basket full of herbs the other day, and told me I could help myself to more as often as I liked. Her giant container garden is currently overflowing with fresh goodies.

My favorite summer salad includes lettuce, basil, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and salted corn fresh off the cob.

I also like an occasional bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich this time of year. And I always love tomatoes on my pizza.

Happy tomato season! May your meals be fresh and delicious.

What’s your favorite way to eat a tomato?