by Brenda S Brown

Created on: January 04, 2011   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

My paternal grandparents lived in the southwest Georgia county of Terrell; near the town of Dawson, and the time I spent with them is remembered as magical. They loved me and I adored them, the memories are legendary. Mealtime at Nanny's house is remembered as naturally delicious; during the spring and summer months the table was laden with numerous, fresh from the garden selections. Along with the pink-eyed peas with okra, succulent butterbeans, golden squash and roast-nears (roasting ears of corn), there was always a saucer full-of brightly colored peppers and a platter piled high with sun-ripened sliced tomatoes. My first recollection of encountering the truly succulent taste of a tomato was when I smuggled a box of salt into their backyard and enjoyed the fruit right there in the middle of the garden. I selected a bright red one, wiped the dust off on my shirt-tale, and took a huge bite. With juice running down my face and dripping off the chin, I experienced what is described as a country delicacy. I distinctly remember Nanny emphasizing sternly to granddaddy Please don't do that in front of the children. His love for tomatoes was so fervent that once the slices were consumed, he salted and drank the remaining juice. Nanny declared his behavior unacceptable for the dinner table and repeatedly reminded him of her sentiments. Then one noontime he looked up and pointed toward the road saying look a-there kids, I believe I see a circus. While our attention was diverted, he swigged the tomato juice and covered the empty plate with a checkered napkin; from that day forward, diverting our attention became a game that was repeated ad infinitum. A tomato sandwich is by far my favorite summer snack; it isn't fancy but the unique flavor has no equal. There are countless variations but fresh white bread slathered with mayonnaise and piled high with tomatoes that are covered with salt and pepper, is my recommendation. If you have a bounty of tomatoes, here is a technique for storage that was discovered by my lifelong friend Marcia who resides in Tallahassee, the official home of Tomato-Land, a place she visits sometimes several times a week during the summer months. Wrap each tomato in several thick layers of newspaper and stack them in a cardboard box; store the container away from light and heat and they will last for weeks. If one becomes squashy, just toss it in the trash; the newsprint is thick enough to protect those remaining pieces. I miss Nanny and Granddaddy Scott but the memories will remain forever.

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