Tomato Class

What is better than watching cooking shows on a lazy Sunday morning? Actually being in the chef’s kitchen and eating their food. That is kind of what I got to do yesterday.

Unless you are new to Megagood, you are probably aware that I am obsessed with fresh tomatoes. So when my friends, Ryan and Sarah, told me about a class at the Chopping Block featuring recipes starring tomatoes, I was definitely on board.

This was not one of the classes where we were in the kitchen cooking; we were sitting in the kitchen eating. And we excelled at it.

Here is the demo classroom. We sat at the oversized butcher's block counter.

We learned how to make Bloody Marys, Fried Green Tomatoes with Tarragon Aoli, Tomato Chowder, Heirloom Tomato and Peaches salad, and Mushroom and Goat Cheese Stuffed tomatoes. The dishes ranged from fairly to entirely delicious and all of them tasted like summer. The key was freshness.

The stand-out dish was the Heirloom Tomatoes and Peaches salad. I think Gimmeyummy will freak out about this one:

It doesn't look like much, but it is one of the best flavor combinations I have had in a long time. Slice up some peaches and fresh heirlooms. Drizzle good balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the mixture. Rip up some fresh basil and add it to the goodness. Then fresh-ground salt and pepper. You will love it. I'm 99% sure of it.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have always thought that lyric was matched up with the wrong season. Because have you been outside lately? The summer is clearly more wonderful than December.

Have you been to western Colorado this time of year? Also wonderful.

Justin is from Colorado, and we have visited several times since we have been together. His parents have moved away from Summit county, where they lived when Justin was little. Now they are in western Colorado outside of Silt. We were at their place six years ago for a brief visit, and decided that we wanted to go back this summer.

I averaged about 250 photos a day over a 4 day weekend, so this was obviously a happy visit. There is no way we are waiting six more years before our next trip back.

My favorite part of the trip was just hanging out in the backyard. The Boley’s live surrounded by ranches, so the view is to die for. Here is a taste of Rancho Bolo:

Dad-in-law's fun ride.

Boley Backyard.

The deck. The drinks.

Mercutio Boley. Raised by Justin, spoiled by Donna and Eric. He is a happy boy.

Dinner on the deck.

Backyard beauty.

Donna's garden. I am jealous.

Although the scenery was a high point of the trip, you can't really beat the company. I am lucky to have in-laws that are so awesome.

The rest of the trips photos are here if you are curious.