Growing your own vegetables

by Rhoda on June 16, 2009

in Gardens and Flowers

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Since we moved here over 3 years ago, my hubby has diligently set out tomato plants and we have managed to enjoy a few each year, not a huge harvest, but several tomatoes of our own. I got really spoiled growing up, since my dad is a major farmer and has grown tomatoes since I was a little girl. Many years of fresh home-grown tomatoes. If you have never tasted a home grown tomato, you are missing out on something special in life, I promise you. I’ve been waiting patiently this year for the tomatoes to start ripening, looking for that red to start appearing, which means something BIG around our house. Can you guess what that is?

A fresh home-grown tomato sandwich! Oh man, do I love those or what?

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I’m so proud of Peter. He has hung in there with the tomatoes and this year they are looking better than ever. I think the soil had to get better conditioned, but now 3 years into our gardening, his tomato plants are huge and full of tomato clusters. Just like my daddy grows!

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Not stopping at tomatoes, though…my hubby even bought some fencing and added pole beans to our front yard (insert eye rolling here). I had to laugh. I’m sure the neighbors think we are some kind of Jed Clampett neighbors, but that’s OK. When we are eating fresh beans soon, we’ll be the ones chuckling to ourselves. I do have plans for some landscaping in this area eventually (it’s in dire need of it), but in the meantime, pole beans it is. :) He’s also got some squash and cantaloupes planted in the backyard.

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Not to mention the blueberries I told you about in the front yard. These 6 plants are doing great and we’ll even have some ripe blueberries shortly to enjoy, as all of them have several clusters of fruit already.

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The blackberries are just getting started in the back, but we hope to get these trained and maybe by next year, we’ll have some fruit like Petals from the Past features. The most amazing blackberries you’ve ever seen, which I told you about here last year.

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There’s my resident farmer now, petting the next door neighbor’s dog.

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So, back to the tomatoes. They are getting ripe now and we’ve eaten our first tomatoes of the year. And I’ll tell ya this, it’s SO great to go outside and pick a tomato and slice it up for dinner.

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And the time came for that first tomato sandwich of the summer just this week. Loved it!! You can bet I eat a bunch of these every year. So, do ya’ll love tomato sandwiches too or is that just a Southern thing? I can just about bet that those of you raised in the South know all about them. :)

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Had to try out my vintage plate with a ‘mater sandwich and some chips.

Ain’t nothin’ better, my friends!

Joining Jen today for Tasty Tuesday.

{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }

1 abeachcottage June 16, 2009 at 5:34 am

Hi Rhoda

are there people who haven't tasted home grown tomatoes? I really hope not and as you say one of the true pleasures in life and so easy to grow not needing too much attention just some sun.

I've had a lot of success with simple salads too especially rocket.

blueberries and blackberries, so so divine, gotta love some blackberry pie

only wishing I could stop by for a homegrown tomato sandwich – it's not quite that warm here in AUS

Sarah

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2 Daisy Cottage June 16, 2009 at 5:36 am

Oh heavens… YUM!!!
Peter – you did good!!
What a gorgeous tomato!

xo,
Kim

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3 mary'smom June 16, 2009 at 6:43 am

I'm from the Midwest. I love tomato sandwiches. Your tomatoes look delicious. I love that you mixed vegetables and fruits into your landscaping. It's charming.

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4 Jorden & Kristin June 16, 2009 at 7:04 am

I LOVE tomato sandwiches! No one ever understands why I don't put cheese in with them but I like it better with just tomatoes! And you're right..homegrown ARE the best!

I think i'm going to go get me a tomato plant for my apartment at the Farmers Market this weekend :)

-Kristin

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5 motherof3fellows June 16, 2009 at 7:04 am

I'm right there with you!! We picked our first tomatos Sunday and made BLT's so yummy!

Gardens are work, but oh, so worth it :)

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6 Anonymous June 16, 2009 at 7:12 am

I've never had a tomato sandwich. I assume there's just tomatoes with preferred condiments? It sounds like it might be a bit soggy, but good!
Yes, there are people who have never had a fresh tomato. Think of all those people in the middle of a city without yards or even a deck to put a pot on. And nowhere near a farmers market or with a way to get to one.
Ann

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7 mary'smom June 16, 2009 at 7:14 am

RAW TOMATOES WITH BASIL AND ONIONS

Pasta alla checca Serves 4

This style of pasta can be found all over Italy in the summer, when tomatoes and basil are at their peak. In Rome it's called pasta alla checca. What does alla checca mean? No one has ever given me a satisfactory explanation. The sauce should be made in advance, but if you're going to hold it for more than a couple of hours, add the basil only an hour before serving. The raw salsa clings best to curly fusilli or small pasta shells.

Look for the very best, ripest, fullest-flavored tomatoes in local farmers' markets. There's just no point in making this dish unless tomatoes are at their peak. But when they're at their peak, if you're like me, you'll want to make it two or three times a week.

Some cooks sharpen the pasta sauce with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, added with the oil.

Also have a look at summer pasta without onions, and with optional mozzarella.

6 medium (1 1/2 lbs) ripe, red tomatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
2 medium red onions, halved and thinly slice
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb fusilli or conchiglie
6 quarts water
OVER a bowl large enough to hold all the ingredients except the pasta, cut the tomatoes into small pieces and mix them and their juices with the garlic and onions.

TEAR the basil leaves into shreds and add to the bowl.

ADD the salt, pepper, and oil and toss to mix well.

COVER the bowl with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator until ready to use.

COOK the pasta in boiling salted water.

WHILE the pasta cooks, rinse a pasta serving bowl in hot water to warm it.

REMOVE the bowl of sauce from the refrigerator and uncover it.

AS soon as the pasta is done, drain it and turn it into the warmed bowl.

IMMEDIATELY pour the cold sauce over and mix well. Serve at once. Makes 6 servings

Nutritional Data, per portion
Calories 504 Carbohydrate 71g Saturated Fat 3g
Protein 12g Sodium 65lmg Monounsaturated Fat l5g
Fat 21g Cholesterol 0
Source:
The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Broadway Books

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8 Diane June 16, 2009 at 7:24 am

What, you mean not everyone eats tomato sandwiches? For Shame! Lord, those pictures are making my mouth water. Unfortunately, it's a little early for ripe tomatoes in Louisville, Kentucky. My tomatoes are still small and green. I envy you!

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9 Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam June 16, 2009 at 7:39 am

We planted a TON of tomatoes this year and I can't wait. I just picked our first zuchinni and squash….so fun. Yea, for your hubby! He's the man!

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10 Tales From My Empty Nest June 16, 2009 at 7:42 am

Rhoda, you are making my mouth water. There is nothing better than a 'mater sandwich in the summer. Or a plate of sliced tomatoes. Yum!!!! I read an old post about your parent's place in Murphy. It could be a carbon copy of my folks. Small world, isn't it? My folks live in the city where I do, but have a mountain home in NC too. We spend a lot of time there in the summer. Dad grows blueberries, as well. They have a porch swing and everybody loves to sit in it. I love zipper peas, but I doubt many people know what they are. Your Dad and Mom look just precious!!! I know you have some fond memories of times spent at their mountain home, just like I do of spending time with my folks at their mountain home. Enjoy those yummy tomatoes. They are close to being ready here. Thank goodness. I also love BLT's in the summer when tomatoes are in season. Have a great day. Love & blessings from NC!

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11 lili313 June 16, 2009 at 7:45 am

I've been reading your blog for a while, but this is my first time commenting!

Love, love, love tomato sandwiches! Just a little mayo (Blue Plate, thankyouverymuch), and some salt and pepper. If I have a little extra time, I toast the bread a little before making the sandwich to make it even more special. My husband and I have passed this passion of ours on to our kids – they always smile when they hear that I'm making tomato sandwiches!

Yes, I'm southern – grew up on the MS Gulf Coast, currently living in Louisiana. :-)

Jowanna

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12 UKZoe June 16, 2009 at 7:53 am

We don't have any tomatoes yet, got to wait another few weeks. I have been using salad leaves and radishes from the garden though.

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13 Pat@Back Porch Musings June 16, 2009 at 7:53 am

We have green tomatoes and can hardly wait, for ripening, sometime around the 4th of July. That's usually when we have the first tomatoes. Although, one of our kids has had ripe cherry tomatoes already. They always had their own tomato plants as children. They carry on the tradition of the cherry tomatoes and now our g'kids are getting into it. They also grow the big tomatoes.

One of my all time best memories of childhood is going to the garden getting a big ol' red tomato, grabbing the salt shaker from Granny's kitchen and sitting out under the hollyhocks,eating that wonderful tomato, still warm from the sun.

We have had tomato sandwiches. Also BLT's are heavenly with "real" tomatoes! Wow..I haven't had breakfast! This is making me hungry!

PS: J just told me he wants to go garage saling Friday!!

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14 Ashley@AshleysBusy June 16, 2009 at 7:54 am

Your tomatoes look GREAT! We just signed up to get organic produce (all local) delivered, our first delivery is on Thursday. I wonder if there will be any tomatoes in the box.

And yes, tomato sandwiches are awesome. I love them on baguette with just mayo. Perfect.

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15 Blondie's Journal June 16, 2009 at 7:56 am

You are so lucky to be getting ripe tomatoes. We can't plant ours until early June when the weather gets warm (they love the sun and heat). I just planted eight tomato and basil plants at the lake. We love caprese salad and we do make a sort of tomato sandwich here in the Midwest. A great breakfast is a thin layer of butter on toast with tomato slices and a few pieces of bacon. Heaven. Try it if you haven't.

Beans in the front yard? Go for it!! Peter sure seems to have a green thumb!

Happy Tuesday, Rhoda! :-)

xoxo
Jane

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16 Stacey @ The Blessed Nest June 16, 2009 at 7:57 am

Nothing better than homegrown!! :) We love a tomato, cucumber, & red onion "salad". Just slice and layer the veggies, then cover in italian dressing, or a balsamic vinagrette, chill & enjoy! It's a great side dish when we grill out. We've been lucky enough to have family and friends who grow veggies and share with us, but Hubby wants to have his own garden next year!

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17 Cherish June 16, 2009 at 7:59 am

I couldn't agree more! There's not much that tops a tomato sandwich! Can't wait to get fresh ones from my parent's house so I can start a tomato sandwich diet!! : )

Try toasting your bread if you don't already…that makes them even more divine!

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18 Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe June 16, 2009 at 8:08 am

I picked my first tomato yesterday. Mater sandwich here-I-come!

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19 Sandi McBride June 16, 2009 at 8:08 am

I am so jealous! We have a ton of tomatoes and not one ripe one yet! But soon my pet, soon…I will be eating a sink sandwich and a smile will be spread ear to ear!
Sandi

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20 Betsy June 16, 2009 at 8:18 am

Only two things that money can't buy…and that's true love and homegrown tomatoes.

LOL

I love tomato sandwiches with mayo. Has to be Duke's. Nothing finer, that's for sure.

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21 randee June 16, 2009 at 8:26 am

oh what beautiful tomatoes! i'm allergic to all raw fruits & vegetables. just 1 bite of a tomato turns my lips inside out but i sure do love them. i can eat cooked fruits & veggies though.

we just got back from s. carolina & enjoyed baby yellow squash. the zucchini & cucumbers & string beans were ripe, too. we just finished planting flowers here in ohio right before we left & everything was in full bloom there.

loved the pole beans in the front yard. i thot they were sweet potatoe vines for a minute.

eat a tomato for me, will you?

randee

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22 Tricia Anne June 16, 2009 at 8:27 am

Yes indeed!! Nothing beats a tomato sandwich – with your own fresh tomatoes – right out of the garden! We are patiently waiting for ours to turn red! Your blueberries look beautiful! And just wait until you are enjoying those delicious green beans!! :o ) I want to try to plant green beans next year. This is our first year for a garden (I posted a couple of days ago) we are learning as we go. You are so blessed to have had a daddy for a farmer!! :o )
I hope that your days is a wonderful one!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

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23 Willoughby June 16, 2009 at 8:36 am

I've never had a tomato sandwich, but I do love a fresh picked tomato!

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24 Kara June 16, 2009 at 8:45 am

A roommate in college introduced me to tomato sandwiches. I thought they sounded disgusting, but after one bite, I was hooked. They are a wonderful treat in the summer, but using home grown tomatoes is a must!

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25 grannyann June 16, 2009 at 8:52 am

Oh how I LOVE bacon and tomato sandwiches!!! Your tomatoes look wonderful. I have some planted but they are blooming yet. I eat so many in the summer I almost "acid" out. Your berries look good also but tomatoes are the BEST.

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26 aguhmom June 16, 2009 at 8:55 am

sweet friend – thanks for starting my day off once more on a wonderful note.

Note to self & others; don't forget
to plant basil to go along with those jewels of summer – then add
fresh mozzarella to make lovely
healthy salads or sandwiches !

"Summertime…..when the living is
easy…"
hugs to you – patti

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27 Stephanie June 16, 2009 at 9:04 am

I love tomatos. My favorite way to eat a tomato is whole. A tomato in one hand & a salt shaker in the other hand. Sprinkle & chomp! Just like eatin an apple!

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28 Amanda.Sedeno June 16, 2009 at 9:17 am

You Lucky Lucky Woman!! I LOVE homegrown tomatoes. They are the best!! Sandwiches and hot sauce are my fave!!!

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29 Becky June 16, 2009 at 9:29 am

I grew up eating tomato & tomato/onion sandwiches in Illinois. Heaven! Can't wait for my tomatoes to ripen out here in California.

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30 Amanda June 16, 2009 at 9:30 am

I am so ready for a homegrown tomato sandwich. I love them and now I reall am wanting one. YUMMY!!!

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31 Jennifer June 16, 2009 at 9:32 am

Your tomatoes are looking fabulous as does that tomatoe sandwich! We are patiently waiting on ours, but when you are using them while their still green (fried green tomatoes) it takes longer for the red ones to come in! This is the first year that we have planted a large garden, so we will see what it brings us.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,
Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee

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32 Keyona June 16, 2009 at 9:37 am

Wow! Those look so yummy!

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33 Karen June 16, 2009 at 9:48 am

This is my first summer Not growing our tomatoes. I will be gone the entire month of August which is when they are at their peak in my yard, and they will just rot away. No one else will bother to pick them. Lat year I had to have 3 of my neighbors come!
I did have myself a little chuckle at the pole beans right at the front door. Men. Hey, at least he's lovin' it.
And to be very truthful Rhoda, I have never had just a "tomato" sandwich before. BLT. Tomatoes on all else, but never just a tomato sandwich. Can you share a recipe for us "non-southern" gals? Cause if I use Paula Deen's there will be an entire cup of mayo between 2 pieces of bread, and my diet will be ruined. LOL
Great post! Thanks for sharing! Karen

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34 Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern June 16, 2009 at 9:56 am

Oh, honey! This southern belle knows all about tomato sandwiches. Your pictures just make my mouth water. Our tomatoes aren't quite ready yet, but they're coming right along and I'm ready!

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35 Kelli June 16, 2009 at 10:01 am

I am salivating this very moment. There is nothing like a home grown tomato!! Simply delicious!!

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36 g.suzie June 16, 2009 at 10:03 am

Hi Rhoda, your pictures made my mouth water!!! We are at least 3 months away from harvesting anything from our garden, with the exception of some berries. . .nothing better than fresh veggies and fruits, I can't wait. . .

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37 New England Girl June 16, 2009 at 10:04 am

Your vegetable/fruit garden looks absolutely wonderful. We are in the midst of moving right now, and the one thing I am craving about finding a new place to live is the ability to finally start planting things [although it may be too late by the time we're settled]. For now, I will happily live vicariously through you and your garden. It all looks divine though! Hope you enjoy those tomatoes… I'm hungry just looking at that sandwich! :)

Alicia

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38 paperjunk-lc June 16, 2009 at 10:24 am

I believe tomatoes are short of being a religion in the south. You have me craving a mater sandwich. Have you ever had it with sourdough bread oh yea baby!

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39 Embellished Bayou June 16, 2009 at 10:26 am

Oh, I so wish we were able to grow our own veggies & fruits, especially blueberries. I don't think the strawberries I planted this year are going to make it!

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40 Lisa June 16, 2009 at 10:27 am

While I have never eaten a tomato sandwich, I have had the joy of eating homegrown tomatoes. My neighbor used to bring me bags of tomatoes. I never had much luck growing my own. Maybe I will try when we again have a yard. If your husband can do it, so can I…I hope!

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41 Joanna June 16, 2009 at 10:40 am

This was our first year at growing anything…We started with tomatoes…We just now got our first bunch picked the other day…So good, and so much better then store bought. I am planning on making tons of pico de gala so that not one tomato will go to waste.

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42 Sue June 16, 2009 at 10:42 am

There is NOTHING better than a tomato sandwich from the garden!!! I love the beans…they don't look bad at all. You will be enjoying green beans before long. I'm sure your daddy is proud of your hubby!

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43 K_L_C June 16, 2009 at 10:45 am

Homegrown tomatoes are my favorite part of summer. I'm so sad as this is one of the first years that because he has too much going on, my dad hasn't had a garden. I haven't quite mustered up the courage to try to grow them on my own…your post makes me want to plan to plant them next summer.

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44 the undomesticated wife June 16, 2009 at 10:47 am

I totally agree about the 'maters. They are so flavorful and so sweet when you grow them at home. The store bought ones are bland in comparison.

I've got squash, sweet 100s, romas, bell peppers and poblano peppers. The tomatoes aren't doing that great this year. Not sure why. But the peppers are going CRAZY. And of course we have a blackberry bush that the previous owners planted. I've tried to kill that thing so many times, and have dug it up by the roots, yet it returns in full force every year. I only try to kill it because it's in a terrible location. And the birds always get the berries before we do. Oh well. :)

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45 Sherri June 16, 2009 at 10:50 am

LOVELOVELOVE Tomato sandwiches! Also,I recently saw a recipe somewhere for Fried Green Tomato BLT…REALLY want to try one of those!:)

Oh,I've been meaning to ask you,since you come to Pell City sometimes,have you ever gone to Elijah's Barrel? If not,you have to go the next time you're in town.

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46 Whitney Caroline Designs June 16, 2009 at 10:52 am

This reminds me of the vegetable garden we had when I was little! And now you've got me thinking I just have a tomato sandwich for lunch today! Oh look, it's lunch time!!! Yum!

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47 Brandi June 16, 2009 at 10:53 am

I've been harvesting Romas for a couple weeks. Yummy!

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48 Cherri Engle June 16, 2009 at 10:58 am

Love me some tomato snadwiches. But I am from the South. Can't wait to pick some from my own plants. Mine aren't as far a long as yours are. They look good.

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49 PamperingBeki June 16, 2009 at 11:12 am

Wait, one can grow their own blueberries?! YUM! I wonder if they'd grow in Kansas? Hmmm… I'd love that.

My tomatoes are looking gawgeous, but not red enough to pick just yet.

And do you put the chips ON your sandwich?! You should. :)

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50 Bear Girl June 16, 2009 at 11:17 am

I don't think tomato sandwiches are a southern thing. I live in Indiana and grew up on them, however, my mom's family is from Georgia and Alabama so that may explain it. People don't know what they are missing if they haven't tried them…a little mayo and add some salt and pepper…YUM!

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51 Michelle June 16, 2009 at 11:33 am

I spent many years of my childhood living in the south and we loooooove tomato sandwiches. My oldest daughter was born at Ft. Rucker, Al and even tho she didn't get to grow up there (army brat), she loves tomato sandwiches too. :)

Even though we're currently renting a house (while waiting for our other home to close next week) we still have a small garden in pots, wheelbarrows and wagons.

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52 Anonymous June 16, 2009 at 11:46 am

Nope it's not just a Southern thing…I grew up next door to my Grandparents and they had a HUGE garden, name it they grew it…and they lived well into their 90's. They always had tomato sandwiches and my Grnadmother used to make an onion w/ mayo sandwich too.

We grow tomatoes we won't have any for awhile…I get a kick out of picking them and you're so right can't beat a home grown…

We are huge on bruschetta…my recipe is:

diced toms
olive oil
garlic powder
black pepper
tiny bit of sea salt

put that on some sourdough bread HEAVEN !!!

Happy gardening…

Kathy :)

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53 its so very cheri June 16, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Yummy–You guys ought to try growing lettuce. We grew some that was so good and so easy-I'm pretty sure it was Black Seeded Simpson. You clip it and it comes back in a few days. You need to clip it early in the morning or it has a bitter taste. We would go out and clip a plastic grocery sack full, wash it and put it in the fridge and have fresh salad for dinner. It looks pretty too.

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54 Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality June 16, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Well, I'm happy to hear that most of you LOVE those fresh tomatoes too! And I had a feeling that other parts of the country had gotten in on the heaven that is a 'mater sandwich!:)

For those of you who haven't tried it, it's SO simple. Fresh loaf of bread (I know there are purists who ONLY use white bread), but I'm a wheat bread girl, so that's what I use. Mayo on both slices (I use light) and sliced tomatoes with salt & pepper, that is it! That is YUM between 2 slices of bread.

Kathy, we also love bruschetta & I do it much like yours, but don't forget the fresh basil. That's crucial! I have made it a lot. Toasted Italian bread piled high with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper. Another YUM moment!

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55 Simply Susan June 16, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Your post made my mouth water, lol. I just *LOVE* tomatoes and tomato sandwiches are a favorite at my house.

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56 Natalie June 16, 2009 at 12:27 pm

I just LOVE tomato sandwiches. Have you ever had tomato pie — another yummy summer treat!

I can't wait until my tomatoes are ripe and ready to eat! Good times ahead.

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57 MomMom June 16, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Thanks for reminding me of good ole' tomato sandwiches!! Our neighbor always gives us tomatoes through the summer and gave us several yesterday from his garden just in time for tomato sandwiches for me for lunch!!

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58 Nancy June 16, 2009 at 12:38 pm

Beautiful Maters' Miss Rhoda! Now, I need a mater' sandwich! Nancy

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59 Patti June 16, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Rhoda: I'm so jealous . . . we planted tomatoes, green peppers and acorn squash las year. The rabbits ate my pepper plants just after they bloomed; the tomatoes and squash fared a little better though. Just don't have time this year for a garden but I'm planning for next year for sure! That 'mater sandwich looks yummy too! Have one for me.

Patti

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60 Abbie June 16, 2009 at 12:42 pm

I'm not southern, but LOVE tomato sandwiches … my mouth is watering here in Kansas, but I have to wait at least a few more weeks for fresh tomatoes here!

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61 Mary Ellen ~ Carolina Momma June 16, 2009 at 12:43 pm

LOL! You sound just like my Momma. She loves her tomato sandwiches! I'm more into the other Southern delicacy – banana sandwiches!

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62 Rose Broadway (Rosie) June 16, 2009 at 12:55 pm

I'm jealous! Here in Missouri our tomatoes are green and about the size of ping-pong balls. But, we're gettin' there.

I like a little bacon and lettuce on my tomato sandwich. Can hardly wait!

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63 Teacher June 16, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Ah, we are soon to enjoy our tomatoes. The wait is almost unbearable. Your's are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

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64 ThriftyAnnabella June 16, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Loved your blog. Hope to be back soon

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65 Christina June 16, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Mmmmmm, I think BLT's sound mighty nice about now. That is what seeing your home grown tomatoes make me think of.

Love the vintage plates you found. Very pretty.

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66 Anonymous June 16, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Great looking sandwich on a great looking new plate! Elizabeth H

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67 Anonymous June 16, 2009 at 1:50 pm

We don't have ripe tomatoes yet, but I am so looking forward to them. I love mayonaise and tomato sandwiches. I don't add any seasonings whatsoever. I also like it on white bread, not whole wheat.

My tomatoes aren't ripe, but I just put the first green beans of the season on two cook. I will also have coleslaw from cabbage from the garden, onions, cucumbers and fried potatoes. Yum yum! Doesn't get any better. Isn't it great to be a southern girl?

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68 SandiLee June 16, 2009 at 2:04 pm

I just had a tomato sandwich also – the ones my daughter and I are growing have not ripen yet -so had to purchase a couple from the local farmers market, but I like the white bread – can't go the wheat – just not the same –
Love your blog

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69 Astrid June 16, 2009 at 2:08 pm

OMG! You already have ripe tomatoes????? I'm so jealous! It'll be another couple of months before we get to enjoy our first red ripe tomato. My favorite recipe using tomatoes is a tomato tart. Oh so good!

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70 Beverly June 16, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Amen! I haven't had my first tomato sandwich of the summer yet, but my taste buds are all set.

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71 Sue June 16, 2009 at 2:19 pm

Walk out to the garden on a warm summer day ~ spy a bit of red hanging in the leaves, pick that tomato, and bite down into it. Warm, red juices run down your chin. Nothin' better…

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72 Sherri June 16, 2009 at 2:23 pm

Hey Rhoda,
Elijah's Barrel is a thrift/antique/general store with decor and pricing from a "by-gone era".
If I remember correctly,they now have 4 separate locations(different kinds of merchandise in each)around a block wide radius.
I've been thinking about doing a post on it for some time so maybe this week,I'll go there and take some pics.I'll let you know if I do.:)

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73 Kimberly June 16, 2009 at 2:25 pm

I've lived in SC my whole life, but my parents never ate tomato sandwiches, so I didn't know about them until I got married. I'm a little funny about mayo, so I use cream cheese instead; that plus one of hub's homegrown tomatoes: oh man, is that good!

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74 Kim June 16, 2009 at 2:50 pm

We are growing tomatoes for the first time. But ours haven't ripened up yet. I've never had a tomato sandwich. Not sure if I would like just having tomatoes. I'm a meat kind of gal. Need to have some meat with my tomatoes.

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75 duchess June 16, 2009 at 2:54 pm

That sandwich made my mouth water. Off to the farmer's market I go.

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76 Anonymous June 16, 2009 at 3:07 pm

yummy

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77 Amanda @ Serenity Now June 16, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Wow, y'all have got a garden goin' on!! :) We only have 3 little tomato plants right now, but we'll get there someday. ;)

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78 Richella June 16, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Oh, yes. Home grown tomatoes. You're right: ain't nothing better!

And I notice that your tomato sandwich is on wheat bread. This is good; you're being a good eater. But I do hope that you still eat your baloney sandwiches on white bread. Please tell me you eat baloney sandwiches sometimes.

Reading your post makes me wish I could go back to the Irondale Cafe. Yum, yum.

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79 Debra from Bungalow June 16, 2009 at 3:18 pm

Hi Rhoda, I LOVE tomato sandwiches! Ours aren't ripe yet. Mayo and pepper…that's good. Speaking of gardening, check out my giveaway.

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80 Sandy Toes June 16, 2009 at 3:22 pm

Oh those veggies look wonderful!

I could really go for a sandwich like that right now.
sandy toe

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81 Trica (Tree' - ka) June 16, 2009 at 3:27 pm

I'm completely jealous! I checked my tomato plants and I'm just starting to see green tomatoes. It will be a while before I get to enjoy my favorite: Bacon & Tomato Sandwiches! That's it – I'm heading to the farmer's market!

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82 tintarosa June 16, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Wow! I'm impressed. My tomatoes are being eaten by birds before I can get to them.

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83 Robin @ Be Still and Know June 16, 2009 at 3:52 pm

OMGosh! I am weeks away from my first matter! But I got a very late start. But I am eagerly waiting for my tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash and peppers to come in.

Nothing beat home grown!!!

Blessings
Robin

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84 Rosemary June 16, 2009 at 4:01 pm

Hi Rhoda,
Long time no see!
Missed your blog. I know you are as busy as I am. I can hardly keep up right now. Anyway just checking up on your blog. Love tomatoes! Yes we do that in California as well. Although I love a caprese salad.
Enjoyed your thrifty finds as well.
Come visit me sometime.
Rosemary

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85 Richella June 16, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Hi again Rhoda–

Okay, no more bologna for you. But you have to admit: if you're gonna eat baloney, you need white bread. I don't keep bologna around the house either, but I do have good memories of stopping at a little country store and having the storekeeper cut off a nice slab of bologna from the "chub." Did you ever do that?

BTW, do you ever get bread from Big Sky in Mt. Brook Village? It's owned by our old neighbors in B'ham, Jeff and Patty Pierce. Nicest folks you'd ever want to meet. Of course, B'ham folks are almost all nice. Reading your blog always reminds me of that!

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86 Shar June 16, 2009 at 4:18 pm

that settles it, i am going to have some tomatoes right now! yours look to die for, yum…

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87 Laura June 16, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Oh Boy Rhoda! You just got my taste buds going… I am originally from NJ and there is nothing like a Jersey Tomato summer sandwich. Sorry .. Im in Florida now and they just ain't the same!!!

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88 New England Girl June 16, 2009 at 4:57 pm

2nd comment of the day…

Left you an award over at my blog. Hope you enjoy it! :)

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89 KK June 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm

You are so right, 'nuthin' bettr':)
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

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90 Nikki June 16, 2009 at 5:11 pm

Yum, tomato sandwiches of one of the best things about summer.

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91 Nissa June 16, 2009 at 5:29 pm

We love tomato sandwiches down here! (I'm from Alabama too, just much further south). I just planted some grape tomatoes a couple weeks ago, so for now I get all of my fresh produce from my mom's huge organic garden & the local farmer's market.

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92 HollyM June 16, 2009 at 5:48 pm

Oh how I miss my very own beefsteak tomatoes fresh from the garden, still warm from the sun!!
Are you a Hellman's gal, a Miracle Whip lover, or just using butter on the sandwich? – - HollyM

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93 SoBella Creations June 16, 2009 at 5:57 pm

I have three tomato plants. They have done well so far. Two of them will have to be replaced. We got so much rain the poor plants have rotted. But, we did get quite a few tomatoes from them. I hope to plant another veggie next year.

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94 robeth June 16, 2009 at 6:34 pm

my mom's family is from southern ohio (portsmouth, ironton, south point area). that tomato sandwich is somthing they all talk about eating in the summer time. except they would but butter on theirs. meat was something they only had on sundays after church & then the leftovers always went into a soup with tons of veggies. come tues/wed it was veggies, fruit & bread the rest of the week. occasionally they would have cheese if they ordered extra milk that week from the "milk man" which was the local farmer. oh to live a more simple, yet more rewarding life.

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95 CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY June 16, 2009 at 6:34 pm

I'm in TN so of course "ain't nuttin like a mater sammich". My dh doesn't like them though.Doesn't like tomatoes period.Yes he was born and raised here but not raised right,lol.
My other favorite is fried green tomatoes!!!!! With some pinto's and cornbread,mmmmhmmm.Who needs meat?

I don't know what it is,prolly a grandma's touch but still to this day my meemaw grows the best tomatoes.She grows early boys and girls.

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96 mlt June 16, 2009 at 7:19 pm

There is nothing better than a tomato sandwich, lots of pepper, and real mayo (not salad dressing) on white bread! My favorite summer lunch!

Leigh

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97 Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality June 16, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Who knew that talking about mater sandwiches would elicit such a strong response from all you girls. I love it!

Holly, to answer your question. I'm a mayo girl, actually I use light mayo (no Miracle Whip, can't stand the stuff). I don't have a strong preference on brand, but usually get Hellmans or Kraft, whichever I find on sale. No butter on mater sandwiches for me either! No way!

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98 Forever Vintage June 16, 2009 at 7:49 pm

I love,love,love blackberries Rhoda!..my favorite berry. I bet there is no comparison to homegrown …I have to get mine from the grocery store as I don't think they are grown here in Canada. I want to thank you for hosting thrifty mondays. I am enjoying meeting so many new bloggers and seeing what treasures everyone is finding.

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99 Join the Gossip June 16, 2009 at 8:25 pm

MMMM…nobody does fried green tomatoes like the south! I live in CA and can't find anything like that I experienced when I ate down south. =)

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100 Nancy June 16, 2009 at 8:33 pm

I live up north and we love tomato sandwiches…(light) Hellmans, salt and pepper! mmm! But our tomatoes are just flowers right now, so I am jealous! We have to wait 'til late July and August-unless you want to ship some on up!
~Nancy

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