Len's Recipe of the Month - August 2021

 

Fitting that this is the month of August.   Historically, the only month of the year that I will eat a tomato.   Oh, the rest of the year, I will consume tomato juice, bruschetta, and slices of tomato in a BLT sandwich.

But a tomato all by itself?   Only in August.   This comes from years living on the east coast when this was the month those wonderful red orbs ripened in gardens.  The taste in those 30 months is so miraculous.

And so, too, here on the West Coast.   During this month, I will visit a farmer's market in Santa Monica every Saturday.  For me, there is nothing better than a cherry tomato cut in half and dropped in a salad.

But, the other day, the larger models also looked very inviting on the counter.  I took two home and concocted a terrific side dish.   Or a main entree if you choose.   Either way....delish!

Heat your oven to 350 degrees.

Line a sheet pan with some good parchment paper.

Slice up the tomatoes you bought.   Perhaps to a 1/3 inch slice.

Place them side by side on your sheet pan.  Drizzle some EVO.

For added magic, chop or mince a shallot.   Sprinkle that over your tomatoes.

Now add some kosher salt and pepper to taste.

And you really want to get fancy, sprinkle some parmesan shavings over the tomatoes.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

That's it.

Enjoy!

And hurry up!  September 1 is looming.

Dinner last night:   Salad....with cherry tomatoes.