While it is quicker and easier to peel tomatoes if they are first scalded in hot water, they are never so good afterwards, and some people take a little more time and patience and peel them with a sharp knife without scalding. That is the best way. Keep cold and serve with pieces of ice upon them.

These belong to the list of cold hors d' ouevre or side dishes; their place in the bill of fare is after the soup when soup is the first dish named; but if raw oysters or clams precede the soup, the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and similar articles will be written after them. Being generally placed on the table before the beginning of dinner some latitude is taken by the guests as to the time of partaking of such relishes and salads according to individual preferences.