Recipes

Grilled Tomatoes

If you are really desperate, you can use your microwave on this recipe, but the gentle heat of a conventional oven produces better results. It just seems well..., wrong, to 'zap' a beautiful tomato.

The controversy continues as to whether a tomato, also called a love-apple, is a vegetable or a fruit. The preponderance of evidence suggests the tomato belongs to the fruit family, although we eat it as a vegetable - raw or cooked. Of course, if you live in Arkansas, you may be from Tomato, ZIP code 72381.

Webster has this to say about the tomato: Tomato \To*ma"to\, n.; pl. Tomatoes. [Sp. or Pg. tomate, of American Indian origin; cf. Mexican tomail.] (Bot.) The fruit of a plant of the Nightshade family ({Lycopersicum esculentun); also, the plant itself. The fruit, which is called also love-apple is usually of a rounded, flattened form, but often irregular in shape. It is of a bright red or yellow color, and is eaten either cooked or uncooked.

Webster says the tomato is of American Indian origin. Other lexicographers say it is of South American origin. Either way, it is how they taste that counts! Fresh from the garden, with a little salt and pepper, Mmm... Or you may prefer them cooked. If so, try my favorite recipe for cooked tomato's and you won't be disappointed. One caution though - don't bother to try and cut the recipe in half. If you do, you'll be right back in the kitchen making the other half as soon as you taste them!

Ingredients:

4 large field tomatoes, not too ripe.
Salt and pepper.
2/3 cup (150 ml) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
1/2 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs.
1 clove garlic, minced.
2 tablespoons (25 ml) melted butter.
2 tablespoons (25 ml) chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, basil).

Method:

Wash tomatoes and dry gently. Slice into halves across the middle. Scoop out a little pulp to make a shallow depression. (Eat the pulp!) Season the cut surfaces lightly with salt and pepper. Add shredded cheese, dividing evenly. Combine breadcrumbs with garlic, butter and herbs. Spoon crumb mixture over cheese layer, dividing evenly. Grill in medium heat, covered, until tomatoes are hot, cheese is melted, and crumb topping lightly toasted. Makes 8 halves - just enough for a light snack! Careful – hot inside. Enjoy!

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