Corn Fritters & Tomato Salad with Red Chile Crème Fraîche – Moveable Feast

Ingredients

• 5 large heirloom tomatoes, different colors are preferable, (about 2-3/4 lbs.), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 1 packed cup coarsely chopped fresh mixed green and purple basil leaves
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
• 1 cup thinly sliced scallions, green parts only
• 4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) finely ground blue cornmeal
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. mild red chile powder, such as New Mexican
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk
• 1-3/4 cups corn kernels, preferably fresh (from about 2 ears)
• 1 cup crème fraîche, at room temperature
• 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• Vegetable oil for frying, (2-1/2 to 3 quarts)
• Fleur de sel, for garnish