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Home ยป Recipes ยป Grief Lessons

The Perfect Winter Tomato Pie and Changing Hearts

Published: Dec 6, 2015 ยท Modified: Jun 24, 2024 by Lisa Keys ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 22 Comments

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Last Updated on June 24, 2024 by Lisa Keys

Perfect winter tomato pie.

Perfect winter tomato pie

In the early days of grief I feel bombarded by things that remind me of William. My heart is easily overwhelmed by military ads or suddenly ripped to shreds when a Sailor or a Marine pass me by. It feels like torture every time I see a shiny black Toyota truck on the road. William loved his truck, the first big purchase he made upon his return from Afghanistan. Around every corner there are โ€œsignsโ€ of him. My brain and my heart can't take the thought of him gone.

Me and Will.

Fast-forward to today. I have a change of heart. Any sign of William brings peace. It's a much needed reminder that he has never really left. The real signs are few and far between now. They show up when least expected, but most needed. Certainly, there is a part of me hoping that I see a sign of him in Rome, Italy where his best friend, Whit, is marrying the fabulous and beautiful, Marisa.

Wedding photo of my son's friends.

William doesnโ€™t disappoint. Of course, he shows up. He would not miss this wedding for anything. If you follow this blog, you already know that William affectionately code-named me โ€œbroken compassโ€. I am the girl who canโ€™t find her way out of a box, so it comes as no surprise I took the wrong way back to the hotel following a bridal luncheon. (In my defense, every street and alley in Rome looks alike.) Spinning around, I turned a corner and there he was on top of a church. An 8-point buck with a cross between the horns. Could it be a sign?

Stag statue on church.

Turns out this church celebrates Eustace who is revered as a Christian martyr and patron saint of hunters, soldiers and also of anyone facing adversity. I think William is trying to help me get my faith in God back. What do you think?

Will at boot camp.

Maybe William didn't think I was 100% convinced. So, he pulled out the big guns at the farm where the wedding was to be held. On a walk, the morning of the wedding, I followed an old dirt road that led me to a narrow stone stairway. I climbed into a private courtyard. It was there on an ancient Etruscan building I found these hearts; two hearts perfectly tied together. WHOOSH

Heart decorations on an old Italian building.

Congratulations Marisa & Whit. May your hearts always be perfectly tied together. It is the way it is meant to be. Love always.

Slice of the perfect winter tomato pie.

Now, I have had a change of heart concerning this perfect winter tomato pie recipe. I have made many variations of it always including fresh tomatoes. However, this time of year the grocery store produce offerings are not impressive. So, I tried an organic canned version and honestly I can hardly tell the difference.

Tomato pie ingredients.

How to make the perfect winter tomato pie

  • Sautรฉ tomatoes, onions, sugar and spice in olive oil until lightly browned.
  • Whisk flour, parmesan and baking powder (dry ingredients) together.
  • Whisk sour cream, milk, eggs, olive oil and basil (wet ingredients) together.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients; do not over mix. Pour over tomato mixture.
  • Bake at 375F. for 25 minutes.
  • Cook speck in olive oil until crispy. Yes, you can use prosciutto or bacon.
  • Slice and serve wedges of tomato pie topped with crispy speck, parmesan and basil.
Speck and a knife.
Slice of tomato pie.

Pan Roasted Winter Tomato Pie with Crispy Speck

Lisa Keys
Such a beautiful and satisfying bite. In winter find the best canned tomatoes available.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10
Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ยฝ cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained well (I like Muir Glen brand)
  • ยฝ cup chopped sweet onion
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ยฝ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ยผ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese* plus shards for garnish
  • 1- tablespoon baking powder
  • ยฝ cup sour cream
  • ยฝ cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil plus additional for garnish
  • 1 slice imported Italian speck, diced (ask Butcher to slice it like thick cut bacon)

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 375F. Heat ยผ cup of oil in 12-inch non-stick, oven-safe skillet (I use my Lodge cast iron pan) over medium-high heat until hot.
  • While the pan is heating up, place drained tomatoes in center of 3-layers of paper towels. Wrap the paper towels around the tomatoes and gently squeeze out any remaining liquid. Add tomatoes, onion, 1-tablespoon of sugar, Italian seasoning and ยฝ-teaspoon of salt to skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, whisk flour, cheese, baking powder, remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, eggs, basil and remaining ยผ- cup of olive oil. Add milk mixture to flour mixture blending just until dry ingredients are moistened.
  • Spread tomatoes and onions into an even layer over bottom of hot pan. Spoon batter evenly over tomatoes and onions smoothing to cover them completely.
  • Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 25 minutes or until top is just golden.
  • Let stand 5 minutes before inverting onto serving plate or cutting surface.
  • Meanwhile, cook speck in remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until brown and crispy. Sprinkle speck over top of pie along with some shredded basil and shards of Parmesan cheese.
  • Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 sliceCalories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 186IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Italian, quick bread, quick breads, speck, tomato pie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Eataly store.

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    Recipe Rating





  1. kcc

    December 06, 2015 at 8:30 am

    My heart sings and aches for you at the same time. I love starting my Sundays with the beautiful gift you send out. You help make me a more thankful, thoughtful and good person. Wishing you peace, hugs, kim

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 06, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I know what you mean about the bittersweet of this blog...I kind of go thru that every time I sit to write it. A big sigh and then type-type-type. I doubt you need much of a reminder about being a good person-you live it every day

      Reply
  2. [email protected]

    December 06, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Another beautiful story! Thanks for sharing and I can not wait to get the chance to hear more about Italy. Wishing you and your family a very special Christmas!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 06, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      Awe-thanks. You gave us such great advice on Italy. Merry Christmas/buon natale.

      Reply
  3. Louis Matino (@LouMatino)

    December 06, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Love those gigantic wheels of cheese. You don't see those in too many American stores. Glad you had so much fun on your trip. Rome is awesome. Put Florence on your list next time you go.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 06, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      I am convinced the food is so good in Italy because they use nothing but the best ingredients and mostly in its natural state. I think I have my sites on the Amalfi coast

      Reply
  4. Krista

    December 06, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Glad you enjoyed your trip...looked amazing. Very happy to see your blog. I'm still at the point where seeing any 12-15 year old teenage boy can destroy me. Tough when you're a middle school teacher. Christmas is even harder this year. On days like today, when I'm trying to decorate, I just go through the motions in order to make it "normal" for my daughter. We are baking later and, we are trying those red velvet pinwheels. We are sending some cookies down to help Kyle study for finals. Welcome back!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 06, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      Yes, posting on a Sunday makes me feel a little bit back to normal. I am glad you are encouraged by your daughter to do "the normal" things. My daughter saved me, too. I just ate a red velvet pinwheel and said out-loud to myself "one of the best cookies ever baked". Kyle is going to love them.

      Reply
  5. Pat

    December 06, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds soooo good, Lisa.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 06, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      It's a family favorite. I hope you give it a try.

      Reply
  6. Paula Todora

    December 06, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    My words seem lame and not to be spoken, but Lisa, please feel what's in my heart right now after reading your story. You are in sync and aware. That's more than most of us accomplish in a lifetime of searching. Your Will has brought it to you in full force.

    Reply
  7. Lisa

    December 06, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Not lame at all and much heart-felt. Losing a child changes a person and I am grateful for any good it has done. <3

    Reply
  8. Cathy

    December 06, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    In my mind I am sure your William knows what he is doing. In my heart, I am thankful for the Peace and Hope he sends to you...

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 09, 2015 at 5:14 pm

      at this stage it is all good with him

      Reply
  9. cookinformyboys

    December 07, 2015 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    I love your William spottings! Thanks for the great recipe too! Also Wegman's sells packaged diced Speck.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 07, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      We just got a brand new Wegman's in the neighborhood and I am loving it. The speck pictured here was purchased there. I will look for the diced version next time.

      Reply
  10. Ronna F

    December 07, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    Another heart warming blog. Have a beautiful Christmas and enjoy the entire holiday season.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 07, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      love my heart signs...thanks for reading as always dear friend

      Reply
  11. Suzanne Banfield

    December 07, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories with us, Lisa. I hope your Christmas celebrations continue to bring you joyful William moments.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 09, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      My boy LOVED Christmas and everything about this time of year. Always looking for the joy. Have a wonderful celebration with all of those you love, too

      Reply
  12. Veronica

    December 09, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    What a beautiful story...how wonderful that William was your guide. Heart signs are always there I think...you just have to open your heart to them.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      December 09, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      Yes, the good signs are always there...different ones for different people...mine are hearts because the first recipe I ever baked inspired by William--the cookie came out in the shape of a heart <3

      Reply

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