Free Library Of Philadelphia: Talking About Tomatoes!

Press release from the Free Library of Philadelphia:

July 30, 2021

Tomatoes are available in different sizes and colors—canned, dried, powdered, juiced, sauced, or fresh—and can be found in many different recipes and preparations.

The tomatoes in the following dish are smashed with hands, without the use of any sharp tools. If preferred, a knife could be used to chop the tomatoes into small pieces. This recipe calls for raw tomatoes, but roasted or sautéed tomatoes could be used instead. Are there any spices that you would use instead of or in addition to the fresh herbs? Is there a protein food such as chicken, tuna, or toasted nuts that you would like to add to this recipe?

Tomatoes with Pasta

No Sharp Tools Needed
15 minutes
4 to 6 Servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, or parsley (optional)
• 4 cups cooked pasta
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 2 cups tomatoes

Kitchen Utensils and Tools

• Large bowl
• Large spoon
• Set of measuring cups
• Set of measuring spoons
• Towel (for hands

Instructions

Garden to Table: A Kid’s Guide to Planting, Growing, and Preparing Food by Katherine Hengel, includes ideas and recipes for food grown from scratch—including tomatoes! This book has helpful information for all ages and interest levels. You can place a hold on this book in our catalog and check it out in person, with the use of your library card.

Storytelling and Folklore

The library is an incredible resource for folklore, stories, and storytelling! Here is a fun, creative, and educational activity that incorporates... tomatoes!

Supplies

• Paper and writing supply (optional)
• Phone (optional)

Instructions

Watch and listen as our Nourishing Literacy staff continues Talking About Tomatoes on our YouTube channel!

And don't forget to browse our catalog for more terrific tomato titles!

Nourishing Literacy offers food, literacy, wellness, and life skills activities and events to community members, with our core audience being the children, youth, teachers, and caregivers. Nourishing Literacy is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Edna G. Kynett Memorial Foundation.

To learn more about the Culinary Literacy Center, please visit our website or connect with us through Instagram and Facebook.

This press release was produced by the Free Library of Philadelphia. The views expressed here are the author’s own.