By all accounts, yesterday was going to be a difficult day in the Little household. It was the first day of kindergarten. We had done everything to equip him with what we thought he would need for that first big day. He had new shoes, new clothes, and tote bag with his initials embroidered on it (they can’t use back packs yet). We had taken special care in ensuring we got everything the teacher had requested on the supply list to the letter. We had done our best to prepare him emotionally and mentally, too. We had talked at length about how kindergarten would be different from preschool and about what a big boy he had to be. Heather and I had gone through all the scenarios: what happens if he cries, what happens if she cries, what happens if we all cry. We got up early to ensure to get those special “first-day-of-school” photos and to feed him a good breakfast. Hand-in-hand we all walk into the school. We greet the principal at the door and make our way down the hallway to the classroom. I can almost feel the tension wafting through the air. Parents are reluctantly ushering their children into a foreign rooms filled with other children they don’t know. The tear-stained faces of kids and parents alike make it even harder. I feel a lump build in my throat. We reach the classroom and I look over and see the tears beginning to well up in Heather’s eyes. I look away quickly, knowing that eye contact will only make it worse. Jack greets his teacher who tells him to go find his name on a cubby and to put his bag away. She shows him where his seat is and he turns to me, gives me knuckles, and walks away. He never looked back. There were no tears from him, just a nervous grin and we quickly exit the room after telling him to, “have a great day!” And that was it. It was so simple. I never imagined it would be that simple.
Isn’t it funny how we as parents sometimes make things worse than they have to be? We were all geared up for a day filled with tears when there were barely none at all – at least not from Jack. He was thrilled and so excited. I’m sure he was scared, but he went in there with a brave face and ended up loving his first day. Time will tell whether that excitement will continue, but I’m sure it will. He absolutely loves his teacher already and I’m sure that love will grow as she inspires him to learn. Here’s wishing all the little ones out there an amazing first day! Oh, and parents… y’all lighten up. Your kid’s got this. 🙂
This delicious tomato pie is a real favorite at our house. The fresh basil really put it over the top, but the dried basil works just as well if you don’t have fresh. Y’all enjoy!
Tomato Pie
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes
- salt
- 1 regular pie crust
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 to 10 basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the tomatoes and salt them. Place them in a strainer or on a cooling rack to allow the salt to draw out some of the moisture.
- Bake the pie crust per the instructions and cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Stir well and set aside.
- Return to the tomatoes and use paper towels to blot them well to remove the excess moisture. Layer the tomatoes and chopped basil in the pie crust. Spread the cheese mixture over the top. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. I recommend placing the pie on a rimmed baking pan (jelly roll pan) in case the pie spills over.
lori says
Wow first day of school! The year will fly by so fast, it will be a lot of fun. My baby goes to grade 1 this year! Looking forward to trying the tomato pie. I also saw a buttermilk pie on your blog that I want to try also. I have never made one, but they are so yummy. I will let you know how it turns out.
Stacey says
Please do!
rebecca burgess says
just found u—love the recipes now the tom.pie–us “old country cooks” do not always have basil leaves,so try mixing chopped green onions and Hormel bacon bits with the mayo and cheeses. for veggie pie saute zuchini and squash in little olive oil with minced garlic. and add to tomatoes. the only way to cook corn is to fry it in “blackiron” frying pan,which is also perfect to cook cornbread in.. i have a southern pimento cheese recipe if you want it and some other “po country folks” casseroles. gonna try your buttermilk pie. keep posting!!!
Stacey says
Thanks, Rebecca!
Anna Wood says
Hey Rebecca, I know you posted this offer to Stacey but do you still have those “Po country folks” recipes available? Loved your suggestions and, should you read this I would love to see them, and the pimiento cheese recipe, too.
Stacey says
🙂
Laura says
Lori,
If you like Buttermilk Pie you will LOVE Stacey’ s! I was looking for a good recipe because it has always been one of my Dad’s favorite pies and Stacey’ s version was our favorite by far…
Stacey says
Thanks, Laura! Glad to know y’all are enjoying the recipe.
Holden says
Stacey, how many teaspoons dried basil? Thanks.
Holden
Donna says
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Stacey says
Thanks for helping out, Donna!
Nana says
I have never seen or tasted a tomato pie. I saw Christy Jordan had one on her sire recently so I am starting to think I have really missed out on a summer treat. Sending your only child off is a big deal and I am glad it all went well. I found it harder to send my last off to school than my first as then I knew I really had to come home to an empty house. Keep up the positive attitude and do not make disparaging remarks about school ,teachers, classmates, the curriculum etc. (even if you occasionally feel that) as it is contagious. Make school feel like the best thing ever!
Stacey says
Tomato Pie is so good! You must try it!
Adeline says
I’ve seen several recipes for Tomato Pie…but this one sounds sooo good, I’m making it tonight.
The picture is just great……
I remember sitting in the school parking lot just bawling, after the kids went into the classroom on my sons first day of kindergarden…..that was 43yrs. ago ! Time passes so very fast……enjoy every minute.
Thanks for another great recipe
Stacey says
Thank you, Adeline!
Julia Mason says
I remember my oldest son’s first day of school. He had to be picked up and placed on the bus step because he could not step up that high.My son was a very tiny guy that was on the delicate side as far as his body size. His weight at that time was about 25 lbs. He had been born with kidney disease that affected his growth. He is now 38 years old but is frequently mistaken to be a kid when he is clean shaven. Most people who meet him think he is a teenager and you should see the look on their faces when he informs them that he is nearly 40 years old.
Stacey says
🙂
The Better Baker says
How about that? I was actually thinking about TOMATO PIE today, but didn’t have a ‘for sure’ recipe…now I do. ;-} Yours sounds so simple and looks wonderful. Sure appreciate your story about the first day of school. Yep, sometimes it’s hardest on the parents. So glad to know your Jack faced the day with courage. The best is yet to come. Thanks for all you share here…you not only feed our tummies, you warm our hearts as well. God bless you!
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Marsha!
The Better Baker says
Hi Stacey – Wanted to let you know I tried this awesome recipe and love it! I shared the post at my blog yesterday if you have time to take a peek. De-Lish!! Thanks for all you share. https://thebetterbaker.blogspot.com/2014/08/fresh-tomato-pie.html
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it, Marsha! It looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Peggy says
Hi there, Could you post what KIND of Pie crust was Used in this Pie … If you don’t mind that is. Name of bought Crust or Name of Home made crust… Would love for mine to turn out actually like this….. Thank you kindly.
Peggy says
Sorry also what Brand of Cheese was used…
Stacey says
I’m always looking for a bargain, so I used the store brand (Publix) cheese. I also recommend the regular shredded and not the finely shredded stuff.
Stacey says
I used a store brand frozen pie crust in the aluminum pan.
Peggy says
Thank you for responding back. Love your blog and ~ Enjoyed the story ~
Terry says
I had my first tomato pie while visiting the low country of South Carolina. Can’t believe I went my whole liife without one! You can also add a little chopped chives to the mayonnaise mixture. I am now on a low carb diet and can’t have the piecrust (sob) so I’m going to try one sans crust. It may be a little messy but I’m sure it will still be yummy.
Stacey says
I’m sure it will still be delicious and you’ll get to stick to your diet. 🙂
Mary West says
This pie looks so delish. Can’t wait to try it. Sounds so easy, most others seem harder. This Charleston, SC, gal is getting rite to the kitchen, NOW. Thanks.?
Stacey says
LOL! I hope you enjoy!!
denise condreay says
Do I remove tomato seeds?
Stacey says
I don’t normally, but you’re welcome to. For most dishes I do remove them.
Michelle K Ford-Copley says
I have only in the last few years heard of tomato pie, an elder lady I watched before she passed on youtube has a great recipe similar to yours only she tosses a handful of cheese into the hot pie crust after it comes out of the oven to help keep her crust from getting too moist and mushy. It made a huge difference for us! Just wanted to share the tip. I flippin LOVE tomato pie now and look forward to it a couple of times in the summer. I just came from South Your Mouth blog from when you guested over there and always looking for great southern food blogs. Yours sure fits the bill! My oldest is 34 so he started kindy a long time ago but the nerves, tears and all remains the same. He enjoyed it and was a trooper, even though I wasn’t but he had a horrid teacher. Ugh. I miss them being little, enjoy your littles SO very much!
Stacey says
Love the cheese idea! Thanks for sharing! Tell Mandy we said hi!