third stop - Fuji Mama

See the line-up in this progressive dinner from my foodies.

Now westward to Southern California to the blog of Fugi Mama (that’s what she is called) and her Julia Child’s inspired creation of stuffed tomatoes. Fuji Mama was one of the first blogs I started following and all of her writings and recipes are absolutely fab. Her version takes on a Japanese flair with the use of Panko and shiso, a herb in the mint/basil family. Enjoy!

Tomates à la Japonaise
(Tomatoes Stuffed with Panko, Herbs, and Garlic) Adapted from Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child
6 servings

6 firm, ripe, red medium tomatoes
Salt and Pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
3 Tbsp. minced green onions
1 Tbsp. minced fresh shiso leaf (or you can use all basil instead)
3 Tbsp. minced fresh basil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
Toasted sesame oil, to sprinkle on top of stuffed tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the stems and wash the tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out the juice and seeds. Sprinkle the halves lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Blend remaining ingredients (from garlic on, except for sesame oil) in a mixing bowl. Fill each tomato half with a spoonful or two of the mixture. Sprinkle with a few drops of toasted sesame oil. Arrange the tomatoes in a shallow, oiled roasting pan (just large enough to hold the tomatoes easily in one layer)--do not crowd them.

4. Shortly before you are ready to serve, place them in the upper third of the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender but hold their shape, and the panko bread crumb filling has browned lightly.