Sweet Cherry Tomatoes with French Feta

Sweet Cherry Tomatoes with French Feta...a quick and delicious side dish or appetizer that will wow any crowd.

I’ve got tomatoes on my mind!  We just started planting our garden this week and I’ve got a spring in my step… and pain in my back.  LOL

Gardening is hard work my friend.  You’re bending over planting seeds, raking and hoeing your rows, and tilling that dirt like a champ. Seriously, muscles that have been dormant on holiday for months (maybe a full year) are crying for mercy.

 But seeing those seeds push through the dirt all loud and proud like little soldiers makes it all totally worth it.  I pray I never stop being amazed by and recognizing the miracle of gardening.✨

This year I purchased some different types of tomatoes that I’ve never grown before.  I was able to get some heirloom varieties like Sungold, Black Krim, and Brandywine.  Not only will they taste unbelievably amazing but those orangy gold, purplish red and dusty pink hues will also provide some pretty gorgeous eye candy.  

I added a few traditional varieties into the lineup as well: the new and improved Sweet 100’s (called Super Sweet 100’s), and the Mountain Fresh…. I can’t wait!  I’ll be making tomato Gratins and Galettes all summer long!☀️

Tomatoes are so versatile - they go wonderfully with so many things.  I especially like cherry tomatoes because they are so sweet and literally bite-sized.  If you’re wondering “what to eat cherry tomatoes with” or “what to use cherry tomatoes for,” let me give you some food for thought.  

Salads are a no-brainer, right?  But if you want to take it up a notch, roast them in the oven with some olive oil, salt and pepper.  You get all the deep, rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, with the juiciness of fresh ones.

Putting cherry tomatoes in pasta is another way to elevate those little sweeties.  Sauté them with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper – toss in cooked penne, add some shredded Parmesan or cubed fresh mozzarella and purrrfection!  Monza bella!  

There are so many other delicious creations you can make with cherry tomatoes: fresh homemade salsa, gazpacho, stir some into ceviche, toss them into an omelet or frittata, skewer those babies with long toothpicks and make mini caprese salads, or bake them in a pie crust with some cheddar and parmesan cheese for a delightful summer tart.  

Who’s getting hungry????

All this tomato talk inspired me to whip up something tasty and quick with some store-bought cherry tomatoes.  I like to call it Sweet Cherry Tomatoes with French Feta!

Before we go any further let me address the French Feta.  It is divine.  My favorite feta evaah!  It’s less tangy and briny than say Greek feta, and the texture is really smooth and creamy.  Yum!!  I might have a French feta fetish - not saying/just saying.  

Also, I should mention that French feta is made from cow’s milk and goat’s milk, but usually not sheep’s milk like the Greek version.  Just thought you might need that important random tidbit for the next time you meet up with your boss at the water cooler or play trivial pursuit with the neighbors.  #igotyouboo

Less about random feta facts and more about this Sweet Cherry Tomatoes with French Feta recipe!

It’s a really quick and easy side dish or a delightful appetizer to serve with some crostini.  First you sauté the shallots in olive oil over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Then stir in some sliced garlic.

Next, add your tomatoes and saute over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes.  While they’re cooking, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.  You’re trying to heat the tomatoes all the way through without letting them all burst open.  You want a handful of them to crack open, so they release their juices and create a sauce for the dish.

Next you toss in some crumbled French feta and give the mixture a gentle stir.  At this point you can take it off the heat and pour it into a serving dish, the feta will continue to melt because of the heat from the tomatoes.

See?  Like I said - a quick and easy side dish.

The only thing left to do is to grab those warm crostini, scoop up some of that salty, tomato-sweet, cheesy, creamy goodness and enjoy!

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