Absolutely nothing epitomizes Mississippi summer more than fresh tomatoes. Honestly, I haunt the local farmer's market at the beginning of June every summer waiting on their arrival. The funny thing is I hated tomatoes until I was an adult. Now, they are my favorite. This flavorful dish will make a great side for any special dinner. Your friends and family will love it.
Tomato Basil Bake:
Ingredients: 1 stick and 4 tablespoons of butter, divided 1 whole onion, diced 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (3 cans of canned diced tomatoes may be substituted.)
1 cup grated parmesan 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 1/2 sleeves of Ritz crackers Salt and pepper
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the onions in the stick of butter until translucent. Add the tomatoes, basil, garlic powder and brown sugar. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Crush 1 1/2 sleeves of the crackers and add them to the tomato mixture. Stir in the parmesan, salt and pepper. Transfer to an 8 1/2 X 11 casserole dish. In a separate bowl, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Combine with 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers coarsely broken, but not crushed. Top the tomato mixture with the crackers. Bake for 30 minutes until thoroughly heated and cracker topping is nicely toasted.