When it’s high tomato season, but you have an ominously chilly afternoon or morning, it’s time to make tomato tart. I love this recipe because it’s such a shape-shifter, with tomatoes always at the heart. It’s also a great meal to prepare with kids because it’s so hands-on. Here’s a list of the basic ingredients, with substitutions: For the Crust: For the Filling: Process (easily accommodates one pair of big and one to three pairs of little hands)
If using Gruyere, use a child-friendly hand-grater to grate the cheese, helping to guide those little fingertips away from the sharp holes. Big Person: slice tomatoes. Spread mustard around the base of the crust. Mince herbs, if using fresh. Mini-Chef: sprinkle grated cheese or drop dollops of ricotta around the crust, sprinkle herbs, then arrange tomatoes. Pop it in the oven for about a half hour, let cool to room temperature, and, Kids, it’s pie!
*1 c. white whole wheat, whole wheat pastry, or semolina flour
*2 big pinches salt
*¼ c. iced water
*¼ c. olive oil
*4-6 oz. Gruyere, ricotta, or fresh goat cheese
*1 tbs. Dijon mustard
*2 large, ripe tomatoes and an assortment of cherry or grape tomatoes; or 8 plum tomatoes
*herbs de provence or an assortment of fresh herbs in this family
(a handful of caramelized onions, if you’re in the mood—to spread on the bottom instead of Dijon)
Mini-Chef: Mix with hands: flour, salt, water. Then add the olive oil and (with some Big Person help) blend thoroughly. Child, then parent, press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.