Fresh Friday: Lemon-Thyme Fried Green Tomatoes

It's been such an exciting (read: crazy) week! I just started a new job, and have been loving every minute of being 'the new girl.' To top it off May is finally here, summer has officially arrived my friends. All these new beginnings have lead me to ponder about all the freshness summer offers. Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily grind it gets hard to take time to appreciate the simple pleasures. This year I'm committing myself to taking the time to enjoy all the new beginnings as they come. I'm going to cook at least one meal a week that is made with fresh local produce! Here's my first installment in a series of Fresh Friday posts.

I saw these gorgeous green tomatoes at the farmers market last week and  just couldn't pass them by. I've never made my own fried green tomatoes, but I've wanted to ever since I saw the movie that shares the name. So I figured now is the perfect time to try something new! To me these crispy, tangy treats are the epitome of southern summer fare. I chose to do a lighter style of breading and mixed in some fresh thyme and lemon zest to balance out the flavor.

I hope you take some time this weekend to enjoy the new beginnings summer has to offer. What's on your produce list? What are your favorite fresh meals? Don't forget to have a margarita (or two...or three?) to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Hey it's summer, right?

Ingredients:

• 2 large green tomatoes (sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1T milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl mix together the fresh thyme, lemon zest, flour, salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a second bowl beat together the egg and milk. Then set the two bowls together by your stove top forming a breading station. 
3. Put your olive oil in a large frying pan and heat over medium high until it begins to sizzle (about 3-5 minutes). Watch your oil carefully if it starts to get too hot (you'll know, it will stat to smoke!) turn the heat down a bit. 
4. Dip a slice of your tomato into the egg mixture then coat it in the flour mix and place in to the frying pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the breading turns golden brown. Then repeat for the rest of your tomato slices. Serve warm and enjoy!