The Queen of Summer

It's been a rough summer for our vegetables. The intense heat and mosquitos, plus our focus on the interior of the house, has kept us from visiting our garden as much as we should. However, today I saw that summer's queen still reigns! In our absence she has extended her kingdom beyond her stakes, uniting with like neighbors in masses of fuzzy green reaching every direction. Her only real competition now are the ever obstinate weeds. Under the masses of green are perfect round shapes, in all sizes and colors- green, yellow, and Ruby red! We named the garden Ruby's Victory Garden after the last owner of our home. Now I'm thinking it's a more appropriate name than we knew.

I'm thrilled she's victorious. Everything tastes better with a slice of homegrown tomato on or beside it. One of my favorites- on a turkey sandwich, which I eat for lunch quite often. When I pack my lunch these days I include a separate container with a juicy slice in my lunch box to be added on cue! On special Saturdays what's better than a classic BLT, or two if you're like Laurence! And, of course, a staple Hamilton dish- tomato cheese pie! Between my mom and myself I'm betting this dish has been made over 20 times this summer alone. I usually make it in a round pie pan, but for larger parties I've been using a jelly roll pan. Pastry, melted cheese, fresh from the garden tomatoes and basil- simple, elegant, and delicious. The queen never fails!