This new mountain region I live in is beautiful in the summer.  The temperature is perfect.  It’s probably a good thing we didn’t move in the middle of winter, or I might be telling a different story.  I keep hearing rumors about the snow… “You DO know it snows a lot here, right?” (said the neighbor).  “I once saw 10 foot drifts in this neighborhood and no one could drive anywhere,” said our gardener.  Another neighbor added that we should be investing in a snow blower now while the pickings are many.  “And don’t skimp,” he said.  “You’re gonna need a good one.”    These people don’t frighten me.  I’m excited about the snow we’re going to get.  But for now, I’m still celebrating summer!  Here’s the latest recipe I created with some gorgeous cherry tomatoes I grabbed at the Farmer’s Market:  Rustic Tomato and Zucchini Tart Aren’t these tomatoes just so sweet and bright and wonderful?  I’m the kind of person who would happily sit down and eat one right after the other without any adornment. The tart I made is as good as it is pretty.  And it’s really very simple to make.

How to make a Rustic Tomato and Zucchini Tart

The first order of business is to sauté some leeks- just to soften them up.  Then set them aside to cool while you make the crust. Then you’ll mix flour in a medium bowl with cornmeal (for a little crunch!), sugar, and salt.

Next is cutting in butter with a pastry blender (or toss this into the food processor and let the processor do the work).  Then you’ll stir in buttermilk until your dough is able to be shaped into a ball.

Like this!

Next comes rolling out the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Shoot for rolling it into some semblance of a circle.  Perfection is not needed or wanted here.

Then you’ll sprinkle your softened leeks into the center, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the edge.

Next you’ll sprinkle cheese on top (I use Fontina, but you can use your favorite soft white cheese that is easy to shred).

Finally, you’ll add tomatoes and zucchini.  Make it pretty!

The edges of the tart are folded (inward toward the middle).

The final step is sprinkling salt, pepper and fresh herbs.

It’ll bake for about 45 minutes, and then you’ve got yourself a rustic tomato and zucchini tart- ready as a side-dish to grilled meats, or as a main dish for vegetarians.  I like to serve it alongside some grilled skirt steak. The crust lends a slightly sweet flavor (which goes nicely with the sweet tomatoes), and the crunch that the whole grain cornmeal gives the crust is interesting too.  The filling is all just great summer stuff, wonderful all-around of course.  You don’t have to do much to summer produce to make it shine as the star of the dinner. Make it while you still have access to summer produce!  Let’s talk again this winter about that snow thing, okay?  I think I’m good with it.  We’ll see!

Here are a few more recipes using fresh tomatoes that you might like to try:

Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Spaghetti with Three Tomato Sauce Lemon Oregano Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes Marinated Tomatoes Shallot Mustard Tomato Salad Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes Tomato Bread Pudding Tomatoes with Asiago Cheese and Fresh Herbs