Do you remember the 1991 movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy? I cant believe that was over 30 years ago. Inspired by the novel by Fannie Flagg, it has always been one of my favorite meaningful movies. A story written and loved before, as a society, we shared the view that “love is love,” I am happy to say the title inspires this series of surface pattern designs. But the story inspires me to love deeper and kinder. I hope it inspires you to do the same.

If you raise tomatoes, you know that late summer is tomato season. I always think that I need more plants than I do. I live in Montana and it is just impossible to believe that within our short summer, our gardens will flourish. But they do! The plants always grow bigger and more bountiful than I think and every tomato, right down to the late green ones I salvage right before the first frost are prized. So when I see those last green tomatoes on the vine every year, I always think of “Fried Green Tomatoes”.

Do you have a great recipe for them? Below find Sipsey’s (Cisely Tyson) recipe. I have tried it. It is perfect and reminds me of my late mother-in-law, Millie’s fried chicken recipe. Maybe I will make these two delicious delicacies together this year. I do love nostalgia. Note to self: ask the sisters and brother in law for Millie’s fried chicken recipe…

SIPSEY’S RECIPES

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

1 medium green tomato (per person), Salt, Pepper, White cornmeal, Slice tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick, season with salt and pepper and then coat both sides with cornmeal.

In a large skillet, heat enough drippings to coat the bottom of the pan and fry tomatoes until lightly browned on both sides.

You’ll think you died and gone to heaven!

“Fried Green Tomatoes”

Dilly tomatoes – fried green, red and yellow

But never you mind about the inspiration or the movie. These designs come from the heart, grown in the garden and kissed by the summer sun. And when I get a chance to design from the things I love, like gardening, yoga, travel, and the outdoors, I am in my happy place. Hope you enjoy. See these designs as products in my Society6 shop and very soon on Spoonflower.

Cheers!

Cindi