Tomato Garnishing
Tomato Tulips
Photography by Dan Engongoro
Directions:
- Place grape tomato, stem side up on a cutting board.
- Slice tomato down the center, but do not cut completely through.
- Slice the tomato again in the opposite direction,repeating step 2. You should now have 4 sections that resemble the petals of a flower.
- With a sharp knife,carefully slice away the membranes and seeds of the tomato.A thin layer of meat should remain on the skin. Allow the petal to fall open.
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0709/9115/files/engongoro-mishpacha-ester-11-2011-IMG_9767_large.jpg?v=1511109003)
For each butterfly you will need:
- 1 slice of tomato
- 1 scallion(pre-checked)
- Slice tomato slice in half.
- Place on plate so that the rounded side of tomato halves are touching each other.
- Starting from the center of the scallion,slice the scallion in half in the length,thereby creating the butterfly antennas.
- Place antennas in the center of the tomato and trim scallion accordingly
Directions:
- Wash a bright red tomato for each tomato rose.
- Peel the tomato thinly with a sharp serrated knife,starting at the top and proceeding around in a continuous circle.You will be left with a long strip,approximately 3/4" wide.
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0709/9115/files/engongoro-mishpacha-ester-11-2011-IMG_9752_medium.jpg?v=1511109178)
3.Stretch the peel on a cutting board,peel side down.Roll the peel tightly to start, loosening the roll as you go.
4.Place the tomato roll on the plate.Loosen the rose to form a pleasing rose design. Add a lemon or mint leaf to further enhance the design
Tomato Vase
You will need:
- Campari tomatoes, plum tomatoes or tomatoes on the vine
- Radish sprouts or any curly lettuce
Directions:
- Cut off a small piece of the stem side of the tomato to create a flat bottom.
- With a small spoon,carefully scoop out the membranes and seeds of the tomato:some meat should remain on the skin.
- Fill the cavity half way with your favorite salad dressing (optional).
- Place leaves in "planter".
This article by Esther O. originally appeared in Mishpacha Magazine.