This is the time of year when our vegetable gardens come in fast and furious. Folks who planted tomatoes in their garden or maybe patio containers this year in South Dakota are seeing a heck of a harvest.

And if you didn't raise any tomatoes you can find tons from friends, family, or farmers markets around the area.

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Plain fresh sliced tomatoes with a little salt and pepper are a delicacy. But you can do so much more with all your bounty. BLT's are wonderful but before you freeze or can your Tomatoes here are different ways to use your South Dakota summer garden tomatoes.

1-Greek Tomato Salad

It's simple and it tastes amazing! Here's the recipe for a simple summer Greek Tomato Salad.

4 Medium tomatoes
1 Medium Red Onion
½ Cup Sliced Ripe Olives
1 Sliced Cucumber
½ Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, Salt, & Pepper to taste

2-Tomato Soup

Here is a recipe I use to just mix and simmer on the stovetop. Low heat is key. Here are the ingredients to my Summer Fresh Tomato Soup...

2 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes ( approximately 4 Large Tomatoes)
½ Diced Onion
1 Diced Bell Pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
Basil, Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Pepper to taste.

3-Stuffed Tomatoes

This is another simple but tasty way to make a tomato meal. First slice your fresh, cleaned tomatoes in half and scoop out the middle. Dice the tomato innards and place in a mixing bowl with some dried croutons, diced onion, grated parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, top with mozzarella cheese. Place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 400 degrees until cheese is brown.

4-Dry Your Own Tomatoes

If you have a food dehydrator you have probably dried your tomatoes. If you don't have one you may want to add this new gadget to your kitchen appliances. Dried Tomatoes really concentrate the flavor. and are great in winter soups and other dishes.

5-Fried Green Tomatoes

These are so good they even made a chick flick called 'Fried Green Tomatoes. These are simple and delicious. You simply slice your green tomatoes, bread them, and fry them in oil...or butter! (Never underestimate the power of butter! ENJOY!)

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