Because that's what we did when we saw this, the first tomato of the season, apparently ripe and ready on the vine as we were packing to go out of town on Saturday.
We stopped all the packing and laundry doing and annoying-shit-that-you-have-to-do-to-get-ready-to-go-out-of-town and stared at this thing.
I weighed it in my hand and squeezed it a bit and when a bit of juice hit my finger because YEEK it was starting to split at the bottom from its immense size, I picked it.
Then Bubba proclaimed, "Well, get the bikes. We must go get mozzarella for this."
Obviously.
Sadly, the Italian deli we love so much and for once was actually open (how authentic) had many delicious things (including a meatball sandwich that I SWEAR serenades me from afar) but no fresh mozzarella, so we had to settle for grocery store "fresh" mozzarella packed in that cloudy water, but DON'T FEAR, the tomato held so much goodness, it would have been good with a thick slice of doody.
Thankfully we didn't have to go to such extremes.
No. Instead we invited over a few neighbors, declared First Tomato Cocktail Hour and sliced up our first biggie with mozzarella, basil, olive oil and, obviously, cocktails.
Also, did I say, "Biggie"? Why, yes. Yes, I did.
Now, I don't know what kind of tomato this is, specifically, because it was labeled as Black Krim and is obviously not a Black Krim, but I do know that when the first tomato weighs in at well over a full pound you can actually do a caprese appetizer for 6 people.
Not that it lasts a really long time, but everyone becomes happy and many more cocktails are required because, yes, I do believe this means that summer is here.
It is possible that I celebrated First Tomato Day a bit too enthusiastically because when we got up to leave for our out-of-town going on Sunday morning, I did so with a festive little hangover reminiscent of tomato and cucumber.
Whatever! The first tomato has now come and gone, leaving two more waiting for me when we get home.
And then, if everyone else starts to get in line, many many more so that later I can do a bit of freaking out about WHAT THE F TO DO WITH ALL THESE TOMATOES even though you know I already have plans.
Dang it -- I sure wish you lived here 'cause tomatoes aren't faring so well in these parts. Oh -- I guess I should say I wish I lived there -- in order to get jumbo tomatoes. Very impressive Finny. Especially that first picture -- holding a giant tomato while wearing an appropriate shirt!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm. Now I understand why you FBed that you biked to get cheese ;-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the "real" tomatoes to come in. I picked 10 cherry tomatoes today and there are a few orange ones almost ready. And I picked a few small ones from the Tiny Tim plant, but it's just not the same as a Biggie. Totally jealous on the east coast.
Wowee! That thing is huge! Lucky you. We're still singing to ours. We have slightly pink one.
ReplyDeleteFIRST TOMATO YAAAAAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteI may be inappropriately excited for you, but you know I have to live vicariously through you until I have some of my own. Which will be awhile, because no signs of reddening yet. Boo.
I'm happy for your first tomato, but sad that you didn't end up with Black Krims. Maybe you can find some to taste at a farmers market. SO YUM.
OK- am I the only one that thinks it's funny that your shirt says "giants" while you hold an inappropriately large tomato???
ReplyDeleteAgreed - Giant's tee + Biggie Tomato = funny coincidence or intuitive dressing!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am totally jealous! Being that I am in about 100+ even in the darkness of night, I have no tomatoes. Boo.