Tomatoes have a unique place in the cooking world. They're as acceptable sliced on a plate as they are roasted in a cassoulet. The only requirement for a wonderful tomato dish is a great tasting tomato and a tomato recipe that allows all its flavors to come through. So whether your idea of the best tomato dish is fresh tomatoes with mozzarella or your grandmother's tomato sauce, you're right.
1. Tomato Basics

Photo: Getty Images News / Jose R. AguirreEating a tomato is easy. Preparing a tomato can be daunting. One wrong slice of the knife and there's tomato pulp everywhere. Master the art of preparing fresh tomatoes and you're on your way to creating a world of wonderful tomato dishes. We'll walk you through the basics.
2. Fresh Tomatoes

Photo: chrissi / stock.xchngWhile tomatoes are at the luscious best, they don't need anything more to make them fantastic. Although it's unlikely you'll get tired of eating them straight from the garden, here are some fantastic dishes that keep their fresh taste - just in case.
Share Your Own Favorite Way to Use Fresh Tomatoes
3. Tomato Sauce

Photo: donzeladef / stock.xchngThe best tomato sauce starts with the best tomatoes - and a great recipe. If you've got the tomatoes, we got recipes and advice for turning them into the most delicious sauces around.
4. Tomato Dishes

Photo: anissat / stock.xchngThe well rounded tomato feels at home in any dish and we're certainly happy to see him. While tomatoes are the undeniable stars, they also have the ability to blend with seasonings and become more than the sum of the parts. Here are some ideas for making the most of tomato season, from simple to sophisticated.
5. Tomato Drinks

Photo: ilco / stock.xchngDon't let all that juicy refreshment go to waste. Complement any summer meal with a cool, refreshing tomato concoction. You just might have to grow more tomatoes.
6. Green Tomato Recipes

Photo: Getty Images News / Joe RaedleOh dear, what to do with all those tomatoes that didn't ripen. It would be a shame to waste them and totally unnecessary. Try these twists on tomato dishes and next year you'll be hoping your tomatoes stay green for a long time.
7. Growing Great Tomatoes

Photo: Getty Images News / David SilvermanIs there any question that it takes a great tomato to make a great tomato dish? Why go through all the work of whipping up your favorite recipe for tomato pie, if the tomatoes you're using aren't up to the job? Here's the dirt on growing juicy, delicious tomatoes. If you're not a gardener, why not pair your talents with someone who is?