Out of the gate, it's...

So I contemplated for hours, reviewed my list, and finally decided on...nothing aforementioned. I know, I know...but that makes it more adventurous, right? And this way I still have seven more desserts to try! So what did I make? Let me start by saying it was a bea-U-tiful January day in San Diego...would say I like the east coast (where I was born) for it's seasons, but then you have a 75-degree day in January and hey, why not LOVE SD? So, anyway the fam and I were meandering the acreage when we wandered into my father's garden. Not much was flourishing except the tomatoes, which were almost all in their green pre-ripened stage. So it hit me...drum roll please...Green Tomato Pie! hahaha don't gag! It's a traditional Southern pie, and I've never made it, so I thought...dessert for tonight and a good use of a bunch of neglected tomatoes!

Green tomatoes are still very firm, so they don't mush up or release too much liquid when baked. This pie calls for only a couple ingredients, a lot of sugar, and a higher baking temperature. It went in looking like a savory green pepper pie, and came out...well...better than I expected...I think. It smelled unlike anything I can describe (not bad, just different).

My number one taste-tester will be my husband. He is encouraging, but brutally honest enough to tell me he doesn't like something. He also immediately follows up with how I can improve it. He has a great palate and can throw things together to make a delicious meal, with absolutely no forethought. And he HATES tomatoes. What the heck was I thinking?! I finally started this and then had no one to taste my first pie!
But hubby pulled through. He didn't want a slice but did help himself to a small tomato on its own.

He was impressed! As was I...it tastes like oranges but has the texture of cooked bell peppers. With the crust it really comes together and is surprisingly really, really...I mean really..good. Like scrape your plate good.
My two year olds kept asking "more," so it's child friendly, too..(like any sweet isn't).

What a great kick-off. I am on my way, baby...