The Flavors of Summer
The Flavors of Summer
A summer road trip to Mississippi is guaranteed to feature two things: hot temperatures and delicious flavors you will not find anywhere else. An exploration of the state’s culinary offerings will give even the most seasoned foodie a rollercoaster ride. With its parts being as diverse as its people, Mississippi’s local chefs fuse classic, deep-South recipes with techniques all their own to transform any summer meal into an experience many travelers try to recapture for years to come.
The state’s flavor is home grown with fresh crops cultivated in our own back yard used to create some of the state’s tastier treasures. Crispy fried okra, creamy squash casseroles and decadent tomato pies become menu staples this time of year. These flavors of summer will transform any bland night out into memory you’re sure to come back to. Now that your mouth is watering, why not try your hand at home-grown chef and cookbook author Elizabeth Heiskell’s tomato pie recipe. Afterwards, you can plan your tasty Mississippi road trip on a full stomach
Tomato Pie- Serves 6
4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced (or any good
ripe tomatoes will work; about 4 pounds)
Salt and pepper
10 basil leaves, cut in chiffonade (see Chef
Tip, page 000)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
1 (9-inch) pie crust, fully baked
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink
and generously salt them. Let them drain for
15 minutes. Remove from the colander and pat
dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mozzarella,
and parmesan.
- Layer half the tomatoes and all the basil and goat
cheese in the pie crust. Sprinkle with salt and
pepper, and then finish layering with the rest of
the tomatoes. Top with the mayonnaise mixture
and spread it evenly, completely covering the
tomatoes.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
Serve immediately.
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