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Attack of the Summer Tomato

HOLIDAY HOURS: Crystal Bridges will be closed December 25 (Christmas Day).
HORARIO POR DÍAS FESTIVOS: Crystal Bridges estará cerrado el 25 de diciembre (Navidad).

matersGenerally around this time in the summer, home gardeners are looking for creative ways to use the glut of home-grown tomatoes.  Look no further!  Eleven’s Chefs present two delicious ways to put those extra tomatoes to delicious use!

Eleven Ways to Drink a Tomato Cocktail tomato cocktail
4 oz vodka
12 oz tomato juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon horseradish
4 – 6 dashes sriracha depending on your preference
1 oz lime juice 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 pinches of Eleven spice (see recipe at the bottom of this post)
2 pinches celery salt
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Stir well to combine. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with carrot-skewered tomato, pepper, and pickled quail egg, with additional garnishes of lemon slice and green onion.  Enjoy!

Heirloom Tomato BruschettaBruschetta
4 large tomatoes [DICED]
1/2 white onion [DICED]
3 cloves garlic [MINCED]
2/3 c capers
1 c Kalamata olives [PITTED AND HALVED]
1 c  Italian parsley [CHOPPED]
1 c fresh basil [CHOPPED]
1 c  olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and toss gently. Serve with French bread, sliced and rubbed with garlic, toasted or grilled Serves 12 as an appetizer.

Eleven Spice
1/2 c iodized salt
2 tbsp paprika
4 tsp onion powder
4 tsp granulated garlic
4 tsp sugar
4 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp white pepper
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp mustard powder