Roasted Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Dip

This roasted heirloom tomato and goat cheese dip is simple and the perfect appetizer to impress guests or take to a party.

As an ambassador for Whole Foods Market I get to create and share a simple recipe using great products and produce that are in season and available at Whole Foods Market. At the moment this includes delicious heirloom tomatoes. I wish to thank whole foods for providing me with a gift card to purchase the ingredients.

Here are some tips and recipes from Whole Foods Market along with my recipe for the roasted heirloom tomato and goat cheese dip. Enjoy!

Why they’re cool:
Precious and short, heirloom tomato season is at its peak in early autumn
Tomatoes should feel heavy for their size, be soft and yield only slightly to the touch. Size has no correlation with quality — large tomatoes can be just as delicious as small ones. Also, avoid tomatoes with open splits and cracks. Only purchase what you can eat within a few days. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, not the refrigerator because it destroys both flavor and texture.

Here are a few favorite varieties!

Cherokee Purple. This very large, beefsteak variety is purple or very dark red. It’s deeply flavored and rich with a firm, dense texture. Slice these tomatoes thickly and serve with brined cheeses such as feta or with a sweet drizzle of honey.

Marvel Stripe. This large, beefsteak variety is yellow with interior blush. It’s mild, sweet and fruity with low acidity. These tomatoes are juicy and soft and are wonderful for gazpacho, paired with balsamic vinegar as a tomato relish or with earthy clothbound cheddar cheese.

Brandywine. This is another large, beefsteak variety, however these tomatoes are pink or yellow and sweet with low acidity. They are perfect for sandwiches, used as the base of a fresh summer salad or paired with the creamy saltiness of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Evergreen. This is a medium to large, beefsteak variety. They stay green when ripe and are mild and sweet. Make tomato preserves, a sandwich with triple crème Brie and baguette or bread and fry slices for fried green tomatoes.

Black Prince. This is a medium-sized, round globe variety that’s purple or very dark red. It’s deep and sweetly flavored with a firm texture. Sprinkle wedges with vinaigrette and fresh herbs for a simple treat; pair with Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue to match the tomato’s sweetness.

Sun Gold. This small, cherry variety is dark yellow or almost orange. These tomatoes are tangy-sweet and perfect for an anytime snack, tossing into quick salads, baking on pizzas and flatbreads and pairing with Parrano cheese.
Black Cherry. This small, cherry variety is purple or dark red, very sweet and highly flavored. They’re great in salads, roasting whole, baking into focaccia and pairing with Monterey Jack for a cream-of-tomato soup flavor combination.

Here’s some of Whole Foods Market favorite recipes:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/fresh-heirloom-tomato-juice
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/heirloom-tomato-kale-and-orzo-salad
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/heirloom-tomato-salad-basil-yogurt-drizzle

Here is my favorite heirloom tomato recipe.

I love serving this dip with the Whole Foods Market house made crostini but you could use and cracker of bread of your choice.

The balsamic glaze is sold in a squeeze bottle that is usually found in the oil and vinegar isle at the grocery store. You can also make your own by using regular balsamic vinegar by pouring 1/2 cup vinegar into a sauce pan and then bring to a boil. Stir consistently until vinegar begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool. Store unused glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

Roasted Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Dip

1 10.5 ounce goat cheese, softened
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil to taste
balsamic glaze to taste

Heat oven to 425. Rise and pat dry cherry tomatoes and place on baking sheet. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until cherries began to burst and caramelize.

While tomatoes are roasting, place goat cheese in mixing bowl. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Remove tomatoes from oven and cool slightly. Chop fresh basil and set aside.

To assemble spread goat cheese on serving platter. Top with roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top just before serving.

Serve with cracker, French bread or crostini of choice.