A Green Tomato Year

Here’s what you need to know.

• Use green tomatoes because they hold their shape and texture when fried.
• They are best eaten hot, or at least warm.
• Everything else is negotiable. Like most “country” dishes, there are almost infinite variations. I’ll give you my version, but you should feel free to experiment.

1. Start with 3 or 4 or 5 green tomatoes, however many you have on the day you’re doing this. I like them on the small side, because at that size they’re easier to manage as a snack item, but of course you’ll use what you have. Slice them about 1/3 inch thick, or ¼ inch, or ½ inch; it’s not critical.