basil

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes (any produce farmer at the market will have heirloom tomatoes)

• 1 cup heirloom cherry or teardrop tomatoes

• 1/4 lb. goat feta or blue cheese (Decimal Place Farm has feta)

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 bunch fresh basil (Rise N Shine Farm or Woodland Gardens)

• Salt and pepper to taste (Beautiful Briny Sea has plenty of salts to choose from)

• 1/2 Tbs. aged balsamic vinegar

• 2 Tbs. extra- virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Core the large tomatoes and dice into wedges; cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Place all in a bowl. Crumble the feta or blue cheese and set aside.

2. Cut a chiffonade of the fresh basil by stacking leaves, rolling them into a cylinder, and thinly slicing. Add both to the tomatoes.

3. Season with salt and pepper and arrange on the plate as desired. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil and serve.

Pork Chops + Peaches, Grilled

Ingredients:
4 bone-in pork chops from Riverview Farms
Olive oil for brushing, plus 2 tsp.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 peaches from Watsonia Farm, quartered and pitted
2 Tbs. maple syrup
2 to 3 tsp. good-quality balsamic vinegar
Small fresh Freedom Famers’ basil leaves for garnish

Directions:
1. Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes. Brush the chops very lightly with oil, and season liberally on both sides with salt and pepper.

2. In a bowl, combine the peaches, maple syrup and the 2 tsp. oil. Season with pepper and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

3. Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill, or preheat a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Place the chops on the grill rack over the hottest part of the fire or in the grill pan and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Move the chops to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat and cook until the pork is firm and cooked through but not dry, 3 to 4 minutes more per side.

4. Place the peaches over direct heat and sear, turning with tongs, until the cut sides are golden, 30 to 60 seconds total.

5. Transfer the chops and peaches to a platter and drizzle sparingly with the vinegar. Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.

Include a side of green beans to top of this magnificent, Freedom Farmers Market meal!

Serves 4

Pesto, Green Garlic

Ingredients
3oz basil, {leaves only}
2 stalks green garlic
2 bunches parsley, {stems removed}
3 oz kale, {stems removed}
1 cup GA pecans
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese {shredded}
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Directions
Add basil, green garlic, parsley, kale, pecans, cheese, and lemon juice in food processor. Blend in processor while slowly adding oil. Finish with salt.

Yield
One Quart