Tomatoes are ripe and in abundant supply in Cayuga County, just in time for the 23rd annual TomatoFest at Emerson Park. Fresh tomatoes were used in many different ways at the TomatoFest Recipe Cookoff in the Cornell Cooperative Extension kitchen this week as eight contestants skillfully prepared a variety of delicious recipes for a panel of tasters. Nadine VandeWalker won the contest with her creation - Roasted Tomato Soup. For a free sample of the winning recipe, come to the Cornell Cooperative Extension tent at TomatoFest from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Copies of all recipes submitted to the TomatoFest Recipe Cookoff also will be available at that time.

When you read about Cornell Cooperative Extension activities, do you wonder who is cooperating and what is being extended? “Cooperative” refers to the partnership between Cornell University and county Cooperative Extension employees who work together to develop educational programs, based on research done at Cornell University.

“Extension” refers to the outreach of educators at the county level to offer these programs to individuals, families, schools, businesses and community organizations. The goals of Cooperative Extension programs are healthy families, successful farms, clean environment, good job skills, youth development and strong communities.

In Cayuga County, there are five Cooperative Extension program areas: Agriculture, environmental, 4-H, nutrition and small business. At TomatoFest this weekend, the Cornell Cooperative Extension tent will feature a variety of activities from each of these programs, including a physical activity wheel for children, heirloom tomato tasting, lawn care and composting information, tips on growing tomatoes, soil testing information, energy-saving tips, a wellness wheel, food tasting and a 4-H rabbit exhibit.

For a complete schedule of times for these events, visit www.cnytomatofest.com and click on Cornell Cooperative Extension.

For a weekend of fun, come to TomatoFest and enjoy the variety of food, fresh produce, entertainment, activities for children and adults, crafts and information from nonprofit agencies. Proceeds from the event are donated to local food pantries. The best way to get to the event is to park in the Auburn High School parking lot and take the free shuttle bus to Emerson Park. Parking is free for the kick-off dance, featuring the Joe Whiting Band, which will be held Friday evening.

To get a schedule of activities for our tent at TomatoFest and a taste of our Fresh Tomato Soup, stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension booth at the Auburn Farmers Market on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Tip of the week:

Tomatoes may be frozen whole, sliced, chopped or pureed. Tomatoes do not need to be blanched before freezing.

Christine Gutelius, MA, RD, CDN, is a nutrition resource educator with the Eat Smart NY program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.

Fresh Tomato Soup

Makes about 10 cups

1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced

3 tablespoons oil

8 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons uncooked brown rice

1/8 teaspoon ground thyme

Black pepper to taste

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

In a large saucepan, saute onion, celery and carrots in oil until softened but not browned.

Add tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth. Cover pan and simmer for 15 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth and rice.

Add thyme and black pepper.

Cover pan and simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until rice is cooked.

If a thicker soup is desired, puree a few cups of soup in a blender or food processor and add back to the mixture.

Garnish with parsley.