tomat-oh-no!

the tomato has been a life-long foe of mine. not in cooked form, as in tomato sauce on spaghetti, or on pizzas, or in chili, or even tomato soup, but in pure, tomato form. there's always been something about the consistency, the smell, the acidity... it all added up and turned me off. and it isn't like i grew up in a tomato-hating environment. they were always summertime staples at our table. mom is the largest proponent, and pusher, but dad does his part to polish them off. jimnerd and i turn our noses up in disdain. i have held fast to my dislike for the fruit - mildly offending friends, friends' parents, and doing my best from time to time to choke them down when need absolutely dictated it having to happen. sushi, tomatoes, and the more recently added broccoli and mint chocolate chip ice cream have no place on my pallate.

or so i thought.

something strange is happening, and i'm not quite sure i (a) have a handle on it or (b) like where this is headed.

a couple of weeks ago i was introduced to halloumi cheese, a tasty treat from Cyprus that defies the odds stacked obviously in cheese's favor by withstanding high temperatures and allowing itself to grill, or fry, on the stovetop or grill. it is warm, slightly gooey, salty, and incredibly tasty. the catch, upon introduction, was that i had to eat it stacked on top of a slice of - gasp! - tomato on top of half an english muffin. having already said a tentative "no" to other homegrown tomatoes scheduled for consumption later in the day, i opted to stay quiet on the issue, and try it, i might like it.

i liked it. and you know what? the tomato is an indispensible part of the overall package. ridiculous!

this weekend i did the previously unthinkable and purchased, actually spent my own money (ok i was reimbursed...) on three tomatoes, one of which i had earmarked for the halloumi cheese intro to my own family. i sliced it myself, fried up the cheese, toasted the bread, and served it up, and ate two slices of tomato along with it. upon leaving for my apartment, i grabbed one of the other tomatoes, so i would have one in my kitchen when the desire for one struck. what? me? fresh tomato? what is going on?

too bad it is the end of fresh tomato season and the greenhouse grossness will soon assail us. i'll go back on tomato strike then.

but for the time being, i'm thinking of other ways to use my now half-eaten tomato.

unreal.