Tomatoes in summertime are simply devine

I’m not talking about the ones you get at the Supermarket that are just a cut above cardboard in flavor.  I’m talking about the ones that are  just off the vine or the fresh ones you find at the Farmer’s Market.  Fresh off the vine and bursting with sunshine, succulent slices are positively transcedent.    A juicy tomato, just off the vine, sliced and sprinkled with salt has to rate up there with life’s greatest eating pleasures.  As a child, my mother raised tomatoes, cucumbers and okra in her garden which was  about 8 rows  in number and 50 feet long.  Those were the best tasting tomatoes in the world, I thought.  If you love tomatoes, you know the joy of biting into a fresh garden tomato.  Each time I’m in the area where our local Farmers Market is located, I have to stop by to get some fresh tomatoes.  I love to put them in okra dishes but they are good in  so many others dishes and salads as well..

Tomato and Avocado Salad

On a large platter arrange about 2 pounds of assorted tomatoes, (any color), sliced or halved if small, and 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced.  Drizzle with extra -virgin olive oil and season with coarse salt and ground pepper.   Makes 4 servings

Everyday food, Houston Chronicle