Tomatoes are a superfood. They are nutrient dense and including tomatoes in your diet has powerful health benefits. D'Laine Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Northwest Florida, Tennessee and Alabama, Metabolic Research Center (MRC) said, "Tomatoes are linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer due to the antioxidant lycopene. They are also a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin K, Folate (Vitamin B9) and fiber. Tomatoes are also one of the easiest plants to grow as a new gardener." The recipes below from MRC are two great ways to get more tomato in your eats.
Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 16 oz ripe tomatoes (2 to 3 small to medium sized), any variety
- ¼ C. fresh chopped basil
- Minced garlic (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Using a food scale, weigh out 16 oz. of tomatoes and slice tomatoes into thick slices
- Arrange tomato slices on a parchment lined baking sheet, and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine all cheese and garlic.
- Divide the cheese and garlic mixture evenly over the top of each slice.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, and top each slice with freshly chopped basil.
- Serve while still hot, and enjoy!
Tomato Bacon Jam
Ingredients:
300 calories uncured bacon
7oz, peeled, chopped & cooked tomatoes (measure out after cooked)
1oz green onion, finely diced
8 pkts Stevia in the raw
1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, add a little more if you like it hot
Instructions:
Cook the uncured bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the uncured bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble bacon when cool.
Stir tomatoes, green onion, Stevia, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Stir in crumbled bacon and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the spread is very thick, about 1 hour. Adjust salt and black pepper.
Cool and spoon into a 1-pint glass jar with a lid.
Servings: 2
Try this spread on your burger, omelet, or even as stuffing for a portobello mushrooms!