A good tomato can stand alone. A pinch of salt merely enhances the naked goodness of this fruit. On the other hand, there are many dishes that will benefit from the company of tomatoes, which is why you'll often find it in the company of other ingredients. In fact, tomatoes can sometimes add a sweetening touch to a dish and at others serve as a zesty addition to your recipe. Try one or more of these appetizers the next time you entertain, and see what a tomato can do for your meal.
Vodka-Spiked Cherry Tomatoes with Pepper Salt - Here's a sassy twist on the innocent little cherry tomato.
Quick Basic Salsa - Mexican Cuisine Guide Chelsie Kenyon offers a simple recipe for making your own salsa.
Tomato Pie - This recipe can serve many roles including appetizer, side dish, or even a main dish if paired with bread and a salad.
Spiced Tomato Bruschette - This recipe from Gourmet magazine has more of a southwestern flavor to it than Italian.
Tomato and Basil Crostini - You'll find this recipe is more faithful to its Italian origins.
Tomato Bruschetta Dijon - This piquant recipe from Kraft Foods includes olives among the tomatoes.
Layered BLT Dip - There's something about a layered dip that looks so dressy, but they really are among the easiest to make.
Cherry Tomato Appetizers - Blue cheese is the base for the filling of these yummy bites.
Bread, Mozarella and Tomato Donuts - These will take some time to prepare, but I bet you'll find they disappear in a flash.
Insalata Caprese - This is the classic dish that pairs tomatoes, mozarella, and basil. Italian Cuisine Guide Kyle Phillips adds a little extra zest to this dish with capers and olives.
Tomato Basil Squares - These are always popular with guests.
Hot Tomato Tart Appetizers - This recipe from the Food Network uses Monterey Jack cheese, refrigerator biscuits as well as tomatoes, herbs and seasonings.
Crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Tomato Salsa - Use up those late season tomatoes that simply don't have enough time to ripen on the vine.
Bacon Tomato Cups - A very simple recipe that makes little bite-sized tarts.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes - This spicy dish is stuffed with a tuna mixture.
