Tomato and Basil, Summer's Hottest Couple

[elleng]

16 dishes that celebrate the classic flavor combination.

Salad on a roll, Spaghetti, Slow roasted, Salmon +++

https://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692-nyt-cooking/2780828-tomato-and-basil-summers-hottest-couple?

[irisblue]

1. Sliced tomatoes, basil, good melty cheese you like, broiler

= bliss on a plate.

[elleng]

2. Sounds good!

And of course, even without the broiler!

[JHan]

3. I have a funny story to share.

So, the first time I ever got drunk was at a christmas church choir party. My friends and I thought that was the best time to do it- safe environment ( LOL) It's not our fault older choir members brought alcohol to share now is it? We were like 16/17 and we were sneaking drinks so we wouldn't get noticed. So we tried everything. Eventually we were found out and some choir members got upset - yeah whatever. One of my friends who stayed sober dropped us back home, and I could barely make to the steps without falling and giggling my ass off- Mom was at the top of the stairs really upset which made me laugh harder. I was screwed. It was the most hilarious thing ever though. She punished me - I got grounded - I also found that funny.

Anyway, next day she gave me a long talk and blahblahblah but she also made me a gazpacho type soup to cure my hangover . It was the best thing ever - tomatoes, garlic, basil and a bunch of herbs. (Moms are the best)

Since then I've been a fan of tomatoes and discovered they're great to cure hangovers.

[elleng]

4. Great story!

Gazpacho's the best too!

Sorry little restaurant/lunch place near my old office (across the street from the Old Post Office Pavilion, SAD story now!) used to serve great gazpacho AND pan bagnat, about which I posted recently. Nothings nearly so good where I am now (BUT I DO have scenery!)

[JHan]

6. gosh that combo sounds wicked - pan bagnat and gazpacho.. mmmm.

[Major Nikon]

5. Basil is super easy to grow

I usually plant some each spring. This year I have two different varieties and they are both producing more than I can use.

[dem in texas]

7. La Madeline Tomato-Basil Soup

I used to eat lunch at La Madeline's location on Mockingbird Lane. I always ordered this soup. I took this recipe from the Dallas Morning News years ago and just found it in my folder of old recipes. I have never made it. Now that I found this recipe, I am going to make it in the next few days. I remember how delicious it is.

La Madeline French Bakery and Cafe's Tomato-Basil Soup

4 cups ripe tomatoes (8 to 10), peeled, cored and chopped, or 4 cups canned tomatoes, crushed
4 cups unsalted tomato juice
12 to 14 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Salt to taste

Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food processor. Add basil and process to puree, this will have to be done in batches.

Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and served with fresh, crusty bread. Makes 8 servings.