Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large, firm green tomatoes, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch slices
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup finely ground cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika or pimento
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil (use bacon fat if making BLTs)

Preparation:

1. Sprinkle the tomato slices with the salt and pepper; set aside.
2. Combine the cornmeal and paprika in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Cover the bottom of a heavy skillet with 1/2 inch of oil, then place it over medium-high heat.
4. Coat the tomato slices in the egg, then dredge them in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Fry as many tomatoes as fit comfortably in the pan until nicely browned, about 2 minutes a sice.
6. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined platter. Repeat until all the tomatoes are cooked.

These make a great BLT with fresh basil and mozzarella.

Cookie, June 2008, by Victoria Granoff