Loving. Learning. Engineering. Life.


Thursday, July 25, 2013

South x Southwest Tomato Pie

Unlike my own tomato plants, which have plenty of buds and no fruit, I was welcomed at last weekend's Market on the Move by many delicious tomatoes.  Big ones, small ones, organic ones.  Now, even in this desert town one can get tired of making homemade salsa (and tomato sauce) every week, so as I walked through the MoM line selecting all those little bright red gems, my brain was spinning trying to figure out how I was going to use them all.  I turned to one of my favorite food bloggers, a Southern gal embracing Texas-style comfort food.  It's been over a year since I first read Homesick Texan's recipe for tomato pie ...and last weekend I finally had the opportunity and ingredients to try it for myself.

The recipe I came up with is more South-by-Southwest, thanks largely to the incorporation of Hatch green chilies.  It goes great alongside BBQ chicken or even on its own with a salad.  Best part is, it's probably the most delicious way to use up all those tomatoes you've worked so hard to grow (or buy from the Farmer's market).  I have to admit that my photo does NOT do the South x Southwest tomato pie justice...it really will become one of your go-to Summer recipes.  


South x Southwest Tomato Pie
8-10 Roma Tomatoes
10-12 Cherry Tomatoes
1/3 Yellow Onion, diced
1/2 cup roasted green chilies, diced (or 1/2 can diced green chilies)
4 slices bacon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 refrigerated pie crust
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a mix of jack & cheddar cheese)

Slice Roma tomatoes and halve cherry tomatoes. Place in colander and toss with kosher salt.  Let  tomatoes sit for approximately 30 minutes to drain/evaporate some of the moisture.  Meanwhile, cook bacon, let drain on a paper towel, and chop into bacon bits.  Saute diced onion (and don't be ashamed if you used a drop or two of the bacon grease for sauteing).  Lightly coat pie pan with cooking spray.  Roll out pie crust and place in pie pan.  Sprinkle a handful of cheese on the bottom of the pie crust.  Then layer the tomatoes, chilies, onion and bacon in the pan.  Repeat until pan is full.  Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the pie.  Place pie pan on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit approximately 35 minutes (or until pie crust is golden). 

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday, Friday

Not to worry, I haven't been recruited to do the next spacewalk on the ISS.  Just busy with life.  But hey, it's Friday!  One of my favorite things about Friday...no work Saturday.  One of my other favorite things about Friday is Friday night...because I get to spend it with this guy...




And these guys...




But mostly I'm excited to hang with this guy...my fiancé.
Hope ya'll are enjoying your Summer!  Happy Friday!
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Thursday, July 4, 2013

My Favorite Day

Today is my favorite day of the year.  That's right....it's not Christmas, it's not my birthday.  It's the 4th of July.  A day not only to celebrate America's independence, but to celebrate everything that this country stands for and everything that being an American means.  While times have been tough for awhile now, I still believe this country to be the greatest land of opportunity.  With motivation, hard work, and a strong moral compass, I believe that every American can succeed and find happiness. 
I love this country for so many reasons.  My dad and his family emigrated from Fiji in the 70's, and instead of getting turned away at the gates in San Francisco for being different, they were welcomed.  Diversity is the single most significant reason that America has been a success, and why it has remained strong for over two hundred years.  Diversity in land, diversity in people, and diversity in thought.  
This country was not built on the back of one man.  Rather, the foundation was laid by all men and women, from those who were willing to fight, to those who were willing to take a risk, and those who were willing to take a stand.  America gives us the freedom of speech, freedom to learn, and freedom to love who we want to love.  We must never forget that freedom is not free.  It is our duty as Americans to not only remember those who have dedicated and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, but also to dedicate our own lives to continuing that fight for future generations. 
When you see the flag flying today, and you hear the national anthem, please take a moment to reflect on what being an American means to you.  It's okay if your beliefs are different than mine, that's what America is all about.  Happy 4th of July!





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