Watching movies such as Big Night or The Trip to Italy will inspire you to try your hand at Italian cuisine. One of the simplest ways is to start with lunch. 

With July being the start of tomato season, it’s an ideal time to showcase the fresh flavours of this summer fruit.

Part of the nightshade family (members include white potatoes, eggplants and peppers), and packed with lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that is said to be helpful against the fight of cancers, Alzheimer’s and heart disease – tomatoes are a fantastic part of your daily diet.

Raw tomatoes in sandwiches and salads are great, but this Grilled Tomatoes recipe is super easy to make and you can throw them on the grill while cooking your burgers, steaks and whole fish. And grilling adds great wow factor – who knew tomatoes could taste like this?

Tomatoes come in many shapes, colours and varieties. Cherry tomatoes are also powerful little gems of vitamins C, K, and potassium, amongst others. Give them the spotlight in this savoury version of the French dessert - Tomato Clafoutis.

Another way to add tomatoes is the sundried variety. Pick up Irresistibles Sundried Tomatoes in Seasoned Oil to keep in your pantry for adding quickly to soups, sandwiches, salads and mains. And try them in this epic recipe - Grilled Chicken, Sundried Tomato and Arugula Pizza. Grilled chicken gets barbequed and then a rich sauce of butter, sautéed garlic, sundried tomatoes, thick cooking cream, oregano, salt and pepper is added.  Gouda and arugula are the final touches to a fresh pizza crust, for a lunch far beyond your usual soggy sandwich.

Italian style lunch doesn’t have to include heavy pastas or risottos. But it should include fresh, ripe Ontario tomatoes.

Buon Appetito!