“She’s lost her mind,” you say. “She’s hit her head with a kettlebell. How on Earth can a Stuffed Tomato recipe change someone’s life?”Yes, something as small as a stuffed tomato can make a change in your life. Here’s the deal, y’all. It’s not one big thing, it’s lots of little things that can make big changes in your life.

Beard Foundation

A small Beard Foundation scholarship helped me pay my way through culinary school. In 2016, I won a Beard Award for my cookbook, Lighten Up, Y’all. Lastly, I was able to cook at the Beard House for Nathalie Dupree’s 80th Birthday. That experience was extremely pivotal. It quite literally marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new and much better one!

The Beard Foundation means a tremendous amount to me personally and professionally. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. I know what a difference this organization can make in someone’s life and purpose.

Vote for Virginia 

I have made it to the quarterfinals of the Favorite Chef competition. The contest raises money for the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

The grand prize for Favorite Chef is $25K, a spread in Taste of Home, and an opportunity to cook at Platform, the Beard event space in NYC!

My hope is to use the prize money to better educate myself on nutrition, and create a program of good and good-for-you recipes for people that want to change their lives much as I changed mine. Just a little bit at a time can make big changes down the way — just like with this stuffed tomato!

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Let’s talk ‘maters for a minute. Fresh tomatoes are only ever good in summer. So when it’s tomato season, I heartily endorse eating the glorious ripe ones as often as possible. Tomatoes offer several potential research-backed benefits, including protection for brain, heart, and gut health. The vegetable, which is technically a fruit, is a great source of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants such as lycopene. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

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Thanks so much for your consideration.  I am incredibly grateful for your support. Here’s that link again. I would greatly, greatly appreciate it if you could SHARE this with your friends, colleagues, and family. Please let me know if you give my “life-changing” Stuffed Tomato Recipe a try!

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Bon Appétit Y’all!

Virginia Willis

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Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes

One of my favorite ways to eat tomatoes is packed with fresh summer vegetables like sweet corn and squash. You could use other cooked and cooled vegetables, as well, such as lady peas, black-eyed peas, butterbeans—even okra or eggplant. Tortilla chips take the place of bread crumbs and add another layer of corn flavor, and are gluten-free, as well.

Servings: 4

Calories:

Author: Virginia Willis

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 large tomatoes 2 to 3 pounds, each about the size of a tennis ball
• 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
• 1/2 sweet onion chopped
• 1 garlic clove very finely chopped
• 4 ears fresh sweet corn kernels only (about 2 cups)
• 1 small zucchini seeded and diced
• Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• One 6-ounce log creamy goat cheese about 1 scant cup
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley
• 1 cup coarsely crushed corn tortilla chips about 3 ounces

Instructions

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.To form the tomato shells, with a serrated knife, slice off the tops of the tomatoes and remove their cores. Using your index finger, remove and discard the seeds. Then, using a melon baller or a spoon, scoop out the pulp, transferring the juices and pulp to a small bowl. Using your hands, squish the pulp and seeds until smooth but slightly chunky. Set aside and wash your hands.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 to 60 seconds. Add the corn and zucchini; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the tomato mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has been absorbed into the vegetable mixture and the skillet is dry, 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Place the goat cheese in a bowl. Add the vegetable mixture and chopped herbs. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Arrange the tomato shells, cut-side up, in a small casserole dish. Spoon some filling (about 1/3 cup, depending on the size of the tomato) into each tomato. Sprinkle the chips over the filling.
• Bake until the filling is heated through, the tomato shells are tender, and the topping is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Let’s cook something up! If you are interested in hosting me for a speaking engagement, event, cooking class, or a book signing, let me know! Send an email to jona@virginiawillis.com and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.

I am not a doctor, RD, health professional, or WW representative. I am simply sharing what works for me. My blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

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