Comfort Food and Easy Entertaining

As a private chef, caterer and cooking instructor I am often asked "What do you enjoy cooking when you're at home on a weeknight or entertaining guests at your table?" I started this blog to answer that question. Here I will share with all of you the recipes that I find delicious and comforting. Many of the recipes are my own versions of classic dishes, some are contemporary twists on old ideas, and some are discoveries I made while perusing my grandmother’s vast collection of cookbooks dating back to the early 1900’s. Please enjoy these videos. I have also included links to some of the published articles I have written recently. Please feel free to comment here or email me directly with any questions, comments or general thoughts. My email address and information on my catering, private chef and private cooking classes can be found on my website: www.portlandcomfortfood.com

How to peel fresh tomatoes "Concasse"



How To Peel Fresh Tomatoes

1 quart boiling water
Bowl filled with ice water
slotted spoon

Remove the core for the tomato.  Cut an "X" in the bottom of the tomato using a pairing knife.  Place tomato in boiling water for 1 - 2 minutes.  Remove tomato from boiling water and place into ice water bath for about 30 seconds.  Remove tomato from ice water and remove skin.  Squeeze out seeds and juice from center of tomato.

For a complete "Concasse" rough chop the tomato.  The whole peeled tomatoes can be used in sauces, soups and stews or canned for use in the future.

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