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"That is NOT true", I would argue with her. "The summer's not even HALF over." It made me mad. I didn't like the thought of the free-as-a-bird days of summer being over. But you know what? .............. now that I've seen many summers come and go, I have to admit, she was right. It does seem like summer slips away on elusive wings once July is here. I still don't really like this truth, but I've grown to accept it and to savor every little bit of glorious summer. Especially in a culinary sense.
It's a short, sweet, wonderful season brimming with myriads of fabulous fruits and veggies, almost like a magnificent parade boasting one outrageously spectacular act after another until suddenly... it's done. Finished. Over. Everyday traffic is resumed and life returns to normal.
That's how summer produce is to me. I want to savor every delicious bit of it before it's suddenly done.
These Tomato, Avocado Fresh Mozzarella Tartines explode with summery flavor. Do try them before the warm days dissipate into Autumn. You truly won't be disappointed, and if you're like us, this may just become your favorite summer meal. It's okay though, they'll probably be the simplest meal you've made in a long time!
- 2 medium heirloom tomatoes or about 1 cup of cherry size (or a bit larger)*
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus some for brushing bread with
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 4-8 slices good quality artisan bread (use 8 if the loaf is smaller in size, each serving being two slices)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella slice thin
- 1 large avocado cut into bite size slices
- sesame seeds for garnish
- fresh basil leaves thinly sliced if leaves are large for garnish
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Preheat oven to 375˚F.
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Thinly slice tomatoes (if using cherry or grape size tomatoes, just slice lengthwise into 3 small slices. Place tomatoes on several thicknesses of paper towels to drain excess liquid. Thinly slice onions and separate into rings. Reserve the large, outer rings for another use.
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Combine olive oil and pesto. Set aside.
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Place bread slices on a sheet pan. Brush each slice with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. (If you're using the smaller slices of bread, divide one teaspoon between two slices.)
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Place pan with bread in oven for 10 minutes to crisp bread. Evenly divide cheese among bread slices. Drizzle half of the pesto oil over the cheese. Return pan to oven for 6-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.
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Cover most of cheese with tomatoes and avocados. Leave a few small open spaces for the cheese to ooze. Scatter onion rings atop tomato layer. Drizzle with a bit more pesto oil, to taste. Finish with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
* ~ I love to use mini heirloom tomatoes in several different hues for these tartines. They're available at many grocers, but more often, at farm stands and farmer's markets. Larger vine-ripened tomatoes will also work, just be sure to slice then nice and thin.
Laura Dembowski says
I would even argue once June and nice weather hit, it's like summer vanishes before I've even had enough time to enjoy and appreciate it. Realistically we have at least one good month left, and if we're really lucky, maybe two. These tartines are a great way to celebrate summer!
bellini says
These just scream summer. Summer does seem to be passing by all too quickly but it is not over yet by a long shot.
Angie Schneider says
I could eat this every single day! A fantastic tartine, Chris.
Pondside says
That looks delicious - something I find myself saying every time I read your posts. This week I've eaten fresh tomatoes every evening - an explosion of sunshine with each bite. I love summer, especially when it's like this summer has been!
GLENDA CHILDERS says
This beautiful post reminds me that I have not yet had a really good summer tomato. I must get to the farmer's market on Sunday and try this recipe. (I have a hard time remembering since I am used to Saturday markets.) We have a huge organic farmer's market in our neighborhood.
Hope your summer slows down, Chris.
Fondly,
Glenda
Mary Hirsch says
Isn't it hilarious, Chris, that we did the basic, very basic, tartine at FFWD today and now that I've graduated from that, I'm prepared to move on up to your tartine. I have all the ingredients on hand, including fresh mozzarella and I will be making this Monday. Am doing your noodle salad this week-end. It did make me grumpy, however, that you're thinking the Summer is waning. At Whole Foods today, a gal told me the leaves were falling off the trees in the High Country. I'm taking some Super Glue into the mountains tomorrow and gluing them back on.
Chris Scheuer says
You make me laugh Mary! Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen says
I totally agree about July 4th ... Summer seems to shift into high gear and speeds right on outta here. (It's almost August!). I do love the tomato tartine. Tomato anything, actually. 😉 Your photos always make me smile.
Lenia says
These are so beautiful and yummy!Love the bright colors!
Hugs,dear!
France@beyondthepeel says
Growing up, tomato season meant tomato toasts for breakfast everyday. EVERYDAY. And you know what? I loved it. I can't get enough of tomatoes on toast! This takes it to a whole knew taste explosion!!!
Liz Berg says
Another wonderful tartine to try! Love your mozz, avocado and tomato topping...so yummy!!!
PS...Nick and I are going to Cincinnati tomorrow to shop for furniture for his apt. Sure wish he would have stayed in the dorms. Summer's end will be here shortly 🙁
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
You are so making me drool, Chris!!! Love, love, love these tartines.
Sandra Lee says
The colors are so inviting and I should have this instead of granola for breakfast. I was thinking the same thing about how quickly summer passes. I've also been trying to ease myself into the end of summer mindset and it's not easy. Living in Michigan it often seems that summer only lasts a couple of weeks. With that being said, I'm off to grocery shop for the most vibrant fruits and veggies I can find. Thanks for helping me plan my weekend menu!
twodogsinthekitchen says
I totally agree with you and missing the summer vegetables way too soon. I wish I could have a garden all year long. I did have a surprise today and went to look for a place to transplant some tomato plants. Low and behold I have 6 tomato plants that came up from last year. I love surprises like that 🙂 This recipe is so up my alley. I love simple and delicious and I know these would be great. As soon as I get some tomatoes, this is on my list. Pinning it right now!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I know summer feels like it's almost over. My Mom used to say it when the Country Fair would come in August, and living in Buffalo the summers were short and we would barley get a fall season. We would end up straight into winter and that season was forver!
Your tartines look simplly scrumptious! You know how much I love tomatoes and mozzarella together. This is one little appetizer I would not want to share!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Gorgeous and something I'd truly love! Happy Weekend:@)
Hovkonditorn says
These look so tasty and beautiful. The colors makes me happy. Have a great day Chris!
peps says
A light and healthy recipe for the summer!!!
Beautiful colours, Chris!!!
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
This is one of my favorite lunches. I love the heirloom with all the different levels of sweetness and acid. Great pics again, or should I say as usual.
Susan Lester says
Your tartines are gorgeous, Chris! Ironically, that was our assignment for French Fridays with Dorie, so you'll be seeing a lot of them. I had no idea how delicious such a simple preparation could be.
Teresa says
Gorgeous presentation! You're right on point for French Fridays, too. Your description of summer produce as a parade is so apt, no time for distraction, or you might miss something...
Debra Ann Elliott says
Yummy in my tummy!
Kim G. says
Perfect perfect summer meal!!!!
La Table De Nana says
Oh mom...yikes July 4th?
I hope I don't start saying that!
I love autumn but it precedes many months of winter..which I love..for 2 months only.
We get it for more.I ate so many tomatoes today..yet I would gladly have a bite of my screen right now.
Ginny says
The combination of the edge of the red onion and the yellow tomatoes is just stunning! Too beautiful to eat! Moms know best and your mom was RIGHT! But as I age, each year the summer goes way faster.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Gorgeous tartines, Chris! The perfect way to savor all of summer's bounty (( could eat these daily!).