How-To: Peeling Tomatoes

This was one of the first things I was taught in culinary school. It is not often that you need to peel a tomato but this trick comes in handy for the few times that you do.

Step 1: Using a small paring knife, gently pierce the skin on the bottom of a tomato into an "X" shape

Step 2: Plunge the "X"ed tomatoes into a pot of boiling water for about 30-45 seconds

Step 3: Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately place into a bowl of ice water, let sit for about one  minute.

Step 4: Remove tomatoes from the ice water. Starting with the "X" gently pull away the tomato skin, you can use a paring knife to help out.

Peeled tomatoes are perfect for making fresh tomato sauce, recipe here