Tomatoes: is there anything more emblematic of local eating than a fresh-from-the-garden, ruby red, bursting with flavor, sun-ripened summer tomato? I don’t think so.

Even here in the chilly Northeast, we are blessed with a pretty substantial tomato season: the first cherries and Early Girls start showing up in mid-June to early July and, in a good year, they keep rolling in until early October (or a killing frost, whichever comes first). Below you’ll find some of my favorite ways to enjoy them fresh and put ’em up for the long, tomato-less off season. Enjoy!

I haven’t updated in a while? Be sure to check the tomato category for the latest & greatest.

STARTERS & SIDES

• Bruschetta Risotto
• Cherry Tomato Confit
• Classic Bruschetta
• Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
• Fattoush
• Leek & Tomato Tart
• Lime & Peanut Cole Slaw
• Quinoa & Black Bean Salad
• Summer Tomato Risotto with Mint
• Tabouli

MAINS

• Baked Gobetti with Cauliflower, Grape Tomatoes & Chorizo
• Linguiça Pizza
• Mac and Cheese with Balsamic-Roasted Tomatoes & Country Bacon
• Minestrone
• Roasted Tomato & Eggplant Soup
• Smoked Chicken & Corn Soup
• Summer Tomato & Corn Soup

SAUCES

• Garden-Busting Roasted Tomato Sauce
• Garden Vegetable Tomato Sauce
• Roasted Heirloom Tomato Sauce
• Seared Tomato Sauce
• Tomato Purée for Sauce or Canning
• Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil

PRESERVES

Check the preserves page (scroll down to tomatoes) for the most up-to-date listing of tomato preserves.

• 9-Chile Salsa
• Basic Red Salsa
• Charred Chile Barbecue Sauce
• Cherry Tomato Confit
• Classic Tomato Ketchup
• Curried Yellow Tomato Chutney
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• Fire Roasted Tomato and Ancho Chile Sauce
• Flaming Wing Sauce
• Garden Vegetable Tomato Sauce
• Grilled Corn Salsa
• Restaurant-Style Tomato Salsa
• Roasted Heirloom Tomato Sauce
• Roasted Tomato & Chipotle Salsa
• Salsa Rojo
• Spicy Indian Tomato Chutney
• Tomato Jam
• Tomato Paste
• Tomato Purée for Sauce or Canning
• Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil