My Daddy's Tomatoes: Happy Father's Day

Me and Daddy. Happy Father's Day, I Love You!

My father is a food lover and tomato farmer....and it's about time I brag about his latest project... deltatomatoes.blogspot.com. He has created a blog about his tomato obsession. I have begged for years to get him to write a diary or a tomato log so that I could have a record of his tomato knowledge to pass down the 5th generation of tomato growers, my son, my father's namesake, Webb Playford. In January 2011, my father logged on to tell his tale and share his 50 plus years of tomato knowledge. I'm thrilled to read (and edit) every single word.

I'm pretty sure I got my love of food from my father. The man will eat  anything...he's had duck eyes, monkey brains and pairs spaghetti with catfish on Fridays. Some of my best food memories were when my mother would take a week with the girls to Florida and Daddy was left in charge!

My Father in the tomato patch, 2002.

Daddy made eating FUN. Breakfast was a hamburger with mayonnaise, mustard and pickles and dinner...a choice between sardines or Chefboyardee ravioli. For years I chose the ravioli...since Daddy served this dish by opening the can and sticking a spoon in it, we discovered that if you added a squirt of yellow mustard, it would take the "can taste" out of the ravioli. (I'm serious, it works) As time passed I finally got brave enough to try the sardines and you know...they aren't so bad. Saltines, sardines, a little wooster and lemon. (Usually eaten for lunch the day my mother throws a big party...he has to fix his own plate!) From that point on I've become more adventurous and willing to try anything.

Thanks Daddy, your enthusiasm and love for eating food is the reason I have my hobby...this blog. I love you. Happy Father's Day

To honor him on this special day...I give you delta tomato recipes.
Want to learn how to plant and grow your own tomatoes? Follow deltatomatoes.blogspot.com!


Webb Franklin's Tomato Recipes

Home-grown tomatoes
Balsamic vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Fresh basil

SLICED TOMATOES
Thick, sliced homegrown tomatoes are my favorite summer delight. Dipping them in boiling water for 8 seconds takes the skin right off and doesn’t effect the flavor. All you need is salt and pepper and you are good to go.

Sprinkle balsamic vinegar over tomatoes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and garnished with fresh basil. Lots of salt and pepper…these babies are real good.

Wait until just before serving to put the dressing on and never put the dressed tomatoes in the ice box.

CHUNKED TOMATOES
Cut tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Use the same dressing above, but use more. I like to spoon them on the salad plate with lots of juice on a bed of lettuce. No need to toss these in a salad. Tomatoes are all you need!

Future Tomato Grower, Webb Playford