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It's November. Why Am I Still Picking Tomatoes?

Writer: Melanie Underwood
Melanie Underwood
5 hours ago
3 min read


"You are such a Debbie Downer." - From a recent friend in regards to a comment I wrote/said about food waste.

I am passionate and direct so I understand how it can come across. And helping people know what to do with the food that gets thrown away is really important to me. 

Here's an example. It's November, it's still 70 degrees in Westchester, and I still have tomatoes growing on my vines. Most of them are not going to turn red - but I have at least 10 pounds of green cherry tomatoes

So I made a roasted green tomato sauce with handmade pasta. I thinned the sauce with water for the pasta, and the next day I took that same sauce and turned it into something completely different.

I cooked ground turkey (You could use ground beef, tofu crumbles, or whatever you have) with onion and garlic, added the roasted tomato sauce, cooked it down further, and added smoked paprika. Suddenly, it became a taco filling.

When I open a refrigerator, I see possibilities.

One of the things I hear most often is, "I don't know what to make with what I have."

Sometimes people genuinely need ideas. Sometimes they have the idea, but not a recipe and they are worried that what they make won't turn out well. And that's where I love to help.

I've started a series on Instagram called "What's in Your Refrigerator?"

I'd love to come to your house for five minutes, open your refrigerator with you, and brainstorm what you could make with what's already there. You can be anonymous, or you can be on camera if you'd like.

If you're interested, just reply to this email.


National Recognition for Nourish & Gather

I'm proud to share that Nourish & Gather has received a 2026 Gold Plate Award from FMI—The Food Industry Association, in the category of Most Notable Youth Engagement: Family Meals Movement.

Presented by the FMI Foundation, these national awards recognize outstanding programs that encourage families to cook and share meals together. Past and current winners include major food retailers making this recognition particularly meaningful for a small, independently owned culinary education business. 

Nourish & Gather was recognized for helping children and teens develop the skills and confidence to contribute to family meals through cooking classes, camps, and service projects.

For nearly 30 years, I've believed that culinary education is essential education. To have that work recognized nationally by the food industry means a great deal to me.



Recipe: Roasted Green Tomato Sauce 

Roasted Green Tomato Sauce

You can make this with regular tomatoes, too. Just keep in mind that they'll release more juice as they roast.

Yield: 4 cups Ingredients

  • 2 pounds green tomatoes (approximately 6 medium to large), quartered

  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered

  • 4 garlic cloves

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.

  2. Arrange the quartered tomatoes and garlic in a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss until the tomatoes are coated.

  3. Roast for approximately 35 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened, begin to burst, and are golden brown.

  4. Cool briefly, then transfer the tomatoes, garlic, and any pan juices to a food processor.

  5. Add the basil, salt, and pepper. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

  6. Add the remaining olive oil in a slow steady stream.

  7. Refrigerate for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.

And if you're staring at something in your refrigerator wondering what to do with it, reach out. I love helping people find creative ways to use what they already have. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective.

Community Connection: Lifting Up Westchester 

The Power of Possibility: Student Essay Contest


Gathering around food and conversation.

I'm pleased to be serving as a judge for Lifting Up Westchester's 10th Annual Student Essay Contest, The Power of Possibility.

This year's contest invites students to explore the challenges people experiencing homelessness face when seeking meaningful employment, and how opportunity, encouragement, and community support can change someone's future.

The contest is open to students in grades 7–12, with cash prizes awarded in three grade categories.

If you have a child in middle or high school, please share this opportunity with them. And if you're an educator, I'd love for you to pass it along to your school, English department, or students.

Submission deadline: January 25, 2027.

 





 
 
 

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