By some combination of wits, charm and outright desperation, I somehow managed to get their recipe for stewed tomatoes; actually, it was a very nice woman working in the gift shop, after hearing me recount my numerous attempts at replicating their recipe, who brought me aside and graciously shared their secret ingredient, which was....leftover biscuits! That actually makes sense if you think for a moment that back in Jefferson's day they wouldn't want to waste anything, especially all of those biscuits that went stale without plastic bags or refridgeration.
For those of you who would like to try this out, it's actually a great recipe to have, especially with the holidays coming up. It's something different, tastes delicious, and uses up all those stale biscuits you've got lying around the kitchen. ;) Please let me know if you try it and we can compare notes.
Jefferson Stewed Tomatoes
- 4 cups of tomatoes quartered (can be fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (I tend to use a little less of the sugar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 stale biscuits (or scones for my friends in SA and the UK); they have to be stale so they don't become dumplings
- Put the tomatoes and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, slowly simmer until tomatoes are mushy.
- The biscuits need to be broken into small pieces so that they can thicken the sauce later on.
- Add the biscuits and stir constantly until its well blended.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and there you have it.
One more funny anecdote -- when I got back into the car, Isabella was a little upset at me because she thought that I was leaving Aunt Lubsley (Aunt Lesley) behind; she remembered that we went there with her godmother the last time we were in Charlottesville and was upset because she thought we were leaving without her. We explained that Aunt Lesley did not make this trip with us and was safe at home :).
7 comments:
I can't believe you've had time to investigate the stewed tomatoes recipe, but I am sure glad you did! I can't wait to try it. They are OMG SO GOOD!
And how cute that Bella was worried that I was left behind in Charlottesville. I would have loved to have join you! :)
I have been obsessed with this dish, I actually baked some biscuits this weekend to try this recipe but they are still fresh. Isabella has declared that Aunt Lubsley is the best!
i guess they stopped selling their cookbook, which contains that fabulous recipe. and of course now i have to make it again.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this recipe! I just returned from my first trip to Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas! I am a teacher and helped lead a trip with our 8th graders. We stopped for lunch at Michie's Tavern and I, also, was wowed with the stewed tomatoes! I will try this soon, after procuring some stale biscuits!
I am from Richmond. We too had gone to the "Homestead" and on out way back stop at Michie Tavern. OMG the best tomatoes and black eyed peas. I too inquired about the way they were made--she shared--old biscuits. Interesting seeing your post. Thanks, Recovnurse.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I live in Houston, but last week we stopped at Michie's Tavern after touring Monticello. I can't stop thinking about those delicious tomatoes! So glad to have the recipe. :)
I have been trying to find this recipe for more years than I want to admit!!!Thank you for posting it!!! Secret ingredient is always what I was missing!!!
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