Ripe for the Pickin', Rich in Vitamins, Color and Flavor....and here in our own back yard!

Mother Nature provides us with a bountiful produce season, and this perfect season is the reason to travel down the road to nutritional well-being.

With such a bounty of fresh, fabulous Florida fruits and vibrant
vitamin laden veggies, good heart health is yours for the pickin’!

You say tomato, I say tomatoe, you show me your navel and I’ll show you mine! Tomato because it is a Lycopene food , full of antioxidants,
and, Oranges high in Vitamin C ! Si, Si!

I’d love to share this recipe with you as it illustrates a perfect marriage
Of these two fruits, yes , tomato is a fruit, ..and also incorporates such body beneficial powerhouses such as garlic, basil (referred to as the Royal Herb by ancient Greeks), chili flakes and extra virgin olive oil.
This dish (or “bowl” I should say!)is enjoyed equally well hot or cold, is so delicious and is so naturally nutritious it will certainly have you asking for “more please!”

Enjoy!

ROASTED TOMATO, ORANGE AND BASIL SOUP

3 lbs. ripe plum tomato, cut in half lengthwise
2 navel oranges, peeled, seeded and cut into quarters
¼ c. plus 3 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ T. kosher salt
2 t. fresh ground black pepper
2 c. chopped sweet yellow onions
28 oz. can tomatoes and their juice
¼ c. chopped garlic
¼ c. brown sugar
¼ t. crushed red chili flakes
2 cups basil leaves, packed
2 c. water or more

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss the tomatoes, orange, salt, pepper and ¼ c. olive oil together and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. In a stock pot sauté the onions, garlic, the remaining olive oil, butter, brown sugar and red chili flakes until soft and translucent. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, water, oven roasted oranges and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Let rest 20 minutes and pass the mixture through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade or pulse on/off in a food processor or blender. Taste and adjust seasonings. Soup can be served hot or cold, and garnished with more basil, yogurt, sour cream or crème fraiche.
Delicious served over your favorite fish, chicken or grains.
Enjoy!