Summer Tomato Sauce w/ Fresh Mint

Dear Readers,

Continuing with the garden theme, I always find that growing tomatoes on the vine results in an abundance of little ruby treasures. This is when I tend to make my own tomato sauce which is a real treat. Follow my recipe on how to use your garden's tomatoes to make a wonderful and light sauce. Also, take advantage of your town's farmer markets. You can purchase fresh tomatoes at a low price. Remember to use only tomatoes on the vine or plum tomatoes. (Plum tomatoes have less seeds and are less acidic).

Ingredients:
5 lbs tomatoes (either plum or vine) (makes 32 oz)
1 tbsp olive oil
8 fresh mint leaves (minced)
3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
salt pinch

Directions:
1- Lay out your tomatoes and look for any imperfections. Discard any rotten tomatoes.



2- Wash your tomatoes and pat dry.



3- Hold the tomato in your hand so that the stem is facing in the inside of your palm. Hold it up to a box grater. You want to use the side with the medium size holds. Move your tomato in a up and down movement. When you get close to the stem you will need to stop and move to the next tomato. Please keep notice that the skin of the tomato will not be grated.



4- After you have grated all of your tomatoes you should have about 32 oz of freshly crushed tomatoes. Depending on the type of tomato you use, some seeds will be noticeable which is fine.

5- Place a saucepan on the stove and raise the heat to medium low. Add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes and then add the crushed tomatoes and salt. Cook for 15 minutes on low. Add the mint leaves and cook for another 5 minutes. Make sure your sauce is not boiling. Serve immediately.