We tasted this uncooked ‘raw’ pasta sauce when we were guests in a beautiful home in Sardinia, years ago. It’s become a Silver Palate iconic recipe....and never left our repertoire. Such a recipe is perfect for hot, lazy days when abundant ripe tomatoes and basil are at their best. The heat of the pasta warms and brings out the flavors of the sauce in a wonderful, subtle way, melting the Brie deliciously. If you’re craving a little extra sizzle, we love it sprinkled with crispy bacon or slivered Soppressata. So scrumptious and easy.
 

INGREDIENTS
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 pound Brie, rind removed, torn into irregular pieces
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into strips
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon best quality olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ pounds linguine
• ¼ pound bacon, cooked to crisp, or slivered Soppressata for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. At least 2 hours before serving, combine the tomatoes, Brie, basil, garlic, the cup olive oil and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large serving bowl.
2. Bring 6 quarts salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the linguine, and boil until tender but still firm, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and immediately toss with the tomato sauce and sprinkle bacon over top as a garnish. Serve at once, passing the peppermill, and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, if you like.

Serves 4 to 6 portions

There are only six ingredients in this fresh summer chilled soup.
 

DIRECTIONS
1. Combine the tomatoes, melons, and about 1 ½ cucumbers in a blender or food processor. (Reserve ½ cucumber for garnish.)
2. Stir in the orange zest and the ¼ cup mint. Whisk in the sour cream or Creme Fraiche and chill.
3. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with a bit of the chopped cucumber and a sprig of mint.

Serves 6 to 8 portions.

This was The Silver Palate’s most popular summer salad. We couldn’t make enough of it on any given day when the tomatoes were at their peak. We’ve been known to make it anytime of year by oven roasting tomato slices drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, pepper and thyme to bring out any real tomato flavor that’s hiding deep within.
 

DIRECTIONS
1. Core the tomatoes, cut into thick slices, then cut the slices into halves. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. Peel the onion, slice into thin rings, add to the bowl, and turn gently with a spoon.
3. Add the remaining ingredients except the cheese and again turn gently. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Just before serving transfer the salad to a serving dish and crumble the Montrachet cheese over all.

Serves 6 to 8 portions.

Basil Puree
Process or blend 7 cups washed and dried basil leaves (or 7 cups fresh parsley leaves and 1 tablespoon dried basil) with 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and refrigerate.