This is probably one of the easiest things you will ever make. Esther’s wedding was in September and my dear friend Betty Gladden and innkeeper from Alameda CA flew in to help (along with 8 other amazing friends/innkeepers/gluttons for punishment) She arrived saying… I will look after everyone so that they have good food while they are working. Weddings are hard work. Who knew. Pintrest would make them look like a walk in the park! But Betty knew and she wanted to keep the staff (volunteer no less!!!!) fed and happy. Every single person here wanted this recipe before she left. We all LOVED it. It is more of a process than a recipe. Betty made in in large scale when she was feeding volunteers working to clean up after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Honestly.. fabulous.. Use good to great tomatoes. Heirloom are best. and.. if you have questions you can email Betty!
INGREDIENTS
this makes a quart of topping
4Tomatoes- any kind, diced (use any kind. Heirloom are so good!)
1 red onion (because they are sweeter. Vadalia or spring onion work well too)
1 red/yellow/orange pepper, diced
a big bunch of basil chopped
parsley
salt
pepper
1/4-1/2 cup really good olive oil
other herbs if you want them
roasted garlic.. not necessary but I have used it successfully
DIRECTIONS
—
Chop the tomatoes.
Chop the onions
Chop the basil
Chop the parsley
Choose a nice clear glass container that you will enjoy looking at all day. Vases work beautifully
Layer at intervals the chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, basil, tomatoes, parsley, peppers, basil..salt
Press down lightly into the vase, pitcher, container
Slowly pour really good olive oil over until it fills in the spaces. I used 1/3 cup for mine
Allow to sit on the counter so you can admire it all day… minimum 5 hrs
Half an hour before serving:… Boil water and cook pasta. I used spagetti but you can use whatever you like. Gluten free works fine.
find a really good piece of Parmesan Reggiano and allow it to temper
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water
Place on a plate
Top with the tomato/onion/pepper/garlic/basil that has been ‘steeping’ on your counter all day
Grate the best cheese on top that you can find…
Pour a glass of Italian red wine
Call it a night!
If you have questions. Ask Betty!
Debbie Mosimann
Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast
The Lititz PA Broad