How to throw a birthday bash like art gallery owner Arnika Dawkins

Fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and red pepper coulis

Photograph by Rafterman

Fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and red pepper coulis
Serves 6

Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese
1 cup goat cheese
4 green tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup vegetable oil
Feta and fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Spread a small amount of goat cheese onto one side of each tomato slice. Arrange on a sheet pan, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Photograph by Rafterman

Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and salt. One by one, dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, then the crumb mixture; shake off any excess.

Photograph by Rafterman

Pour oil into a deep frying pan and place over medium heat until a thermometer registers 350°F. Working in batches, fry tomatoes until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per batch. Garnish with feta and basil, if using, and serve immediately with red pepper coulis.

Red pepper coulis
7 ounces roasted red peppers from a jar
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½ teaspoon salt

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth.