Perfect Summer Ending

Since we planted our garden a little later than usual we just now have our tomatoes coming in. So what better way to end summer then with a tomato salad straight from the garden with herbs. This salad is so easy you could make it with your eyes shut. You could make it with your eyes shut while chewing gum and riding a bike; seriously. Plus it's ultra "pennyless" especially if you have a garden with tomatoes and herbs. Here it is; the perfect summer ending.

Tomato Marinated Salad*

Ingredients:
8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced length0wise
1 bunch basil, chopped
5 sprigs chive, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
salt and pepper, to taste.

Directions:
Slice tomatoes directly in a bowl. Add basil and chives. In a small jar add rest of the ingredients and shake till you can't shake anymore. Add half of the dressing to the salad. Let it sit in the refrigerator covered for a couple of hours before serving.

*see another version of this salad at www.thepioneerwoman.com.

The tomatoes are finally growing!

Chop up the fresh tomatoes and then use kitchen shears for the fresh chives (those are from the garden too!)

Fresh basil, from the garden of course! You can use the kitchen shears here as well.

Throw in the herbs with the tomatoes.

This is the magical ingredient.

Pour into a small jar.

Add the oil.

Next, the brown sugar.

Salt and pepper, then prepare to shake what your Momma gave you!

Shake your money maker!

Gently toss together with the vinaigrette.

The perfect accompaniment to pretty much any dish.
Amen.