We spent some time visiting Grandma and Grandpa's mountain home this past weekend. Few things refresh the soul like brisk mountain air, a glass of iced tea on the back porch, and the smell of a BBQ grill working hard to get dinner on the table. My father-in-law, who's cajun dust is a hit on grilled meats, proves to be quite the creative veggie griller as well! He made some of his delicious grilled basil and parmesan topped tomatoes for us. Here's how it's done. You won't be disappointed.
Grilled Basil-Parmesan Topped Tomatoes
- cocktail tomatoes, or any round tomatoes approx. 1-2 inch. in diameter
- olive oil
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
- dried basil
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Slice the tomatoes in half widthwise. Arrange tomato halves on a cookie sheet or platter. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil on each half. Sprinkle tops of tomato halves with several pinches of grated parmesan. Season with garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Carefully transfer to the grill. Dad places them on the outer edge of his grill while cooking the rest of dinner. He says this keeps the tomatoes from cooking up too quickly. Watch closely--you're looking for the tops to be melted, and the tomatoes to be tender, just ever-so-slightly charred. The grilling brings out the most delicious qualities in a tomato...and when dressed with Italian cuisine's heavy hitters, the result is nothing but perfectly juicy and fragrant bites to start or accompany any meal! I could eat a whole platter myself! :)
Enjoy your weekend, friends!