Basil Baked Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are served warm with a soft breadcrumb topping in this traditional Italian recipe. Heirloom tomatoes make for a truly spectacular accompaniment to poultry or lightly seasoned seafood.

You Will Need:

• 3-4 Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp parsley flakes
• 6 asparagus spears, ends trimmed
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread 1tbsp olive oil across bottom of a small baking dish.
2. Slice tomatoes in half and arrange in baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss breadcrumbs with remaining olive oil and seasonings. Spoon over tomatoes.
4. Lay asparagus spears in pan alongside tomatoes- drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
5. Garnish tomatoes with parsley flakes and bake for 10-15 minutes until tomatoes are tender. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until topping is golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!