You say “tomato,” I say “yum”

On Saturday, grocery stores and farmers markets around the state will hold Maine’s first Tomato Tasting Day. Depending on the venue, tasters will be able to sample locally grown varieties as well as tomatoes from around the world. For a complete list of locations, visit www.getrealmaine.com.

Cheers

Oenophiles and casual wine drinkers alike will have a vine time at Hannaford’s wine and cheese festival. The event, which will take place Sept. 4 and 5 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, will feature more than 500 wines and cheeses from around the world, as well as Angus Pride beef, Ecce Panis breads, Fantasia cakes, Williams of Vermont deli products, Evian water, Carr’s crackers and Green Mountain coffee. Tickets cost $30 and are available at all Hannaford stores.

Quite a pear

Looking for a cool, fresh idea for lunch or dinner? Beat the heat with Thai Chicken and Pear Lettuce Wraps. To prepare, drain 1 15-ounce can of canned pears, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice. Dice the pears. In a large bowl, toss together pears, 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced, 1/2 cup salted peanut halves, 1/4 cup sliced green onion, and 2 tablespoons minced cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (or olive oil), 11/2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice, and 2 serrano chilies, seeded and minced. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and chill several hours or overnight. To make wraps, spoon about 1/3 cup of the mixture onto a lettuce leaf. Fold in sides of lettuce leaf, then roll up like a burrito. Repeat with remaining filling and lettuce leaves. Makes about 4 cups salad mixture.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.