Fennel Spiced Tomato Sorbet

Tomato sorbet spiced with fennel is so refreshing, why haven't we made this all summer long? Tomatoes are at their peak now, enjoy them while you can!

For the recipe:  

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) tomatoes, peeled
• 250 grams (1 cup) simple syrup
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• pinch salt 
• some purple basil for garnish

You'll also need: kitchen aid ice cream maker attachment.

Drop the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then into ice water. Peel them.
Puree the tomatoes using a mixer, then strain out the seeds using a colander. 
You should have 2 cups of tomato juice. Add the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Make simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water). Add fennel seeds and salt while you make the simple syrup.
Cool the simple syrup before straining it and mixing it in with the tomato juice.  Refrigerate. 
Once it is really cold, add to ice cream maker attachment for kitchen aid and churn until desired consistency. Eat!  

Strawberry and Rhubarb Chips - 4 ways.

These fruit chips walk the line between sweet and savory. They are a great addition to any dish!  
We made these with a honey syrup instead of the usual simple syrup (sugar and water). Furthermore, we added flavors of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and pepper. Use these as a garnish and you'll be sure to impress!  

For the recipe:

• strawberries
• rhubarb
• 240 grams (¾ cup) honey
• 200 grams (¾ cup) water
• maple syrup
• balsamic vinegar
• pepper

Set oven to 200 F.

Rinse your fruit.

Cut rhubarb into thin strips using a mandolin, a knife or a vegetable peeler (the thinner the better).

De-stem and cut strawberries lengthwise into thin slices with a knife.

Add honey and water to a pot and bring to a boil.

Take it off the heat and poach rhubarb for 10 minutes in hot syrup, then strain and reserve the syrup.

Arrange strained rhubarb on parchment (in any shape).

Choose your flavor combinations, adding pepper to some and/or brushing maple syrup on others.

Place strawberries on parchment and brush with either plain honey syrup or honey balsamic syrup (honey syrup and balsamic vinegar mixed together). Add pepper to some.

Place in oven for 40 to 50 minutes.  Check if they are dry by taking one out of the oven and letting it cool down, it should be crispy!