Contorted shapes in hues of chocolaty black, pinky reds, and greenish yellows are typical heirloom tomatoes’ colors. These garden varieties, bursting with flavor, cannot duplicate in taste and put any grocery store tomato to shame.
Favorites include Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, Mr. Stripey, Brandwine, and Yellow Pear. For generations, these heirloom tomato seeds are passed down. Every year I wait in anticipation for the Heirloom tomato season.
Heirloom & Burrata Cheese Appetizer Recipe
Take a crusty baguette and cut into small slices. Rub garlic on each slice and baste with olive oil. You can grill the baguette or broil it in your oven until it turns a light brown color.
Add fresh basil. I grow mine in a pot right outside of my kitchen door for easy access.
You will want some fresh oozing Burrata Cheese. Burrata is Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture. Slice into it and then, using a spoon, scoop out this luscious cheese. Sometimes you will be able to find Burrata in your local grocery store. If not, try a grocery store that sells more quality cheeses. You will find it next to the fresh mozzarella.
Top each baguette with a slice of heirloom tomato, burrata cheese and finally basil leaves. I use my herb scissors to get these perfect cuts of basil. Are you in need of some handy herb scissors? Check out our Healthy Kitchen Gadget article to learn more.
Finally, drizzle with fine olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Buy only the best quality…it’s worth it!
If you like, you can also sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on the top. This heirloom tomato and burrata cheese appetizer is always a big hit at parties.