Late August + Pizza

Vine-ripened tomatoes are a sure sign of late August.  For over a week now, our tomatoes have been ripening and were ready for picking.  I would love to tell you their proper name, but Nuno planted them early in the Summer, and I never did figure out their variety.  I can tell you they grow very big and sweet-smelling.  Those who know me well, know that I do not enjoy raw tomatoes.  Yes, I know, it's awful, isn't it?  I do wish I loved tomatoes, but unfortunately, no matter how many times I try them, I feel no appreciation.  But don't get me wrong, I LOVE cooking with tomatoes!  They are the main ingredient in tomato sauces and delicious butter chicken.  I really couldn't live without them.  And as long as they're diced small enough, I will eat them on bruschetta, in tacos, etc.  I just wouldn't be able to take a great big bite out of a tomato.  Do you see what I'm saying?

Tomatoes growing on the side of our house, where we get lots of sunshine!

Within the last week, there has been an abundance of tomatoes ripening every single day.   So, on Monday, I decided to make it a Pizza night!  We divided pizza dough into four equal parts.  Nuno and I, rolled out the dough, mostly with our hands.  A woman we know, who owns an Italian bakery in Toronto, told us not to roll the dough, she says it "kills" the dough.  It is best to work it with your hands.  So, I tried my best to do that.  Nuno, is better at it than I am.  He's usually the one who makes pizza at our house.  Once the dough was rounded out in the pans, the girls got to add the tomato sauce and any toppings they liked. 

This is the tomato sauce I made using fresh garden tomatoes, chopped garlic, chopped, fresh oregano, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.  Beside it, is some crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil for the toppings.  All the tomatoes, oregano, and basil, came from our herb garden!

This is Anita, adding tomato sauce to her heart-shaped pizza.

And here is Annabel, sprinkling grated mozzarella cheese on hers.  Notice the beautiful pearl bracelet (Nancy, this one's for you)!  She wears it all the time! 

Annabel and Daddy working on their pizzas!

Daddy's pizza looks awesome, topped with pepperoni, basil leaves, kalamata olives, and anchovies. 

The pizzas turned out so yummy.  Of course, we couldn't finish them all.  So, guess what?  We had leftovers the next day and Daddy took some to work.  I am so thankful for my little herb garden, where I can gather so much deliciousness and inspiration for our daily meals.  I will surely miss it once the garden gives way to Fall and the colder temperatures.  

Thank you again for visiting my kitchen.  I want to wish you all a happy September!  When the colder weather comes around, and we are all wearing coats, hats, and mitts, remember that there is one place the cold must never enter - our hearts.  Wishing you all a cozy heart season!  xo

The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many.  ~Oliver Wendell Holmes