Phyllis' Kitchen--Fried Green Tomatoes

If you shopped at the Monroe Farmer's Market this past Saturday, you likely saw Phyllis Perrin of Caroline's Old Tyme Products demonstrating her fried green tomato recipe in the hospitality tent.  And even better, she was giving away samples to the many customers who'd never tried them before (and those who have had Phyllis' fried green tomatoes in the past!)

As promised, here is her recipe:

Fried Green Tomatoes

1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. all purpose flour, divided
1/2 c. cornmeal
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
3 medium-sized green tomatoes, cut into 1/3 inch slices
oil to fry
salt to taste

Combine egg and buttermilk, set aside.  Combine 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 1 t. salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl or pan.  Dredge tomato slices in remaining 1/4 c. flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in cornmeal mixture.  Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a large cast iron skillet.  Heat to 375 degrees.  Drop tomatoes, in batches, into hot oil, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden.  Drain on paper towels or a rack.  Sprinkle hot tomatoes with salt and/or use a dipping sauce.

Garlic Aioli Sauce

1-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. water
1/2 t. lemon juice
1/8 t. sea salt
1/4-1/3 c. olive oil

Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender.  With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.

For a variation, add 2 t. snipped fresh basil.