Green Tomatoes Can Be Yummy Too...

While our tomatoes are ripening at a steady rate {I have noticed that heirlooms tend to be a little more friendly to the homesteader, ripening a bit at a time instead of all at once} we still have plenty of green tomatoes to enjoy as well.

A few years ago I posted some recipes for green tomatoes and here are a couple more for folks to try too. :)

Fried Green Tomatoes
{inspired by the recipe on page 71 from The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook}

6 large green heirloom tomatoes {we used Old Timers}, sliced 1/2 inch thick
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup red fife wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup unbleached flour {we are loving the flour from these folks!}
1/2 cup dried & powdered goat's cheese {we easily dried some of the hard batch a friend made for us}
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
enough veggie oil for frying {we used a nice sunflower oil}

Put dry ingredients in large bowl and mix together well. In another bowl pour buttermilk. Dip tomato slices first in buttermilk and then pat in dry mixture on both sides. Fry in a deep pan {everything tastes better in a cast iron pan ;) } for about one minute on each side. If using a heavier oil, you might want drain a little longer on paper towels.

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Green Tomato Mincemeat
{from my Granny's recipe box}

6 cups green tomatoes {we used Pink Lady, Old Timer, and Yellow Pear}, chopped
3 cups apples, peeled & chopped
3 cups brown sugar
3 cups raisins
1 1/4 cups cider vinegar
1 cup mixed candied citrus peels
1 cup candied cherries
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp mace
1/2 tsp dried ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large kettle {we used a slow cooker}. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered until thickened, about 2 hours {we just let ours cook for about 4 hours on the slow cooker, first on high for about a half an hour and then lower for the rest}. Pour into hot, sterilized jars and seal. Or cool, and pack into freezer containers and freeze for up to 1 year. Makes about 6 or 7 cups.

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Sláinte!

Laurel