Growing up, I could not stand tomatoes.  A large part of “our rift” through the years was due to texture.  A raw tomato?  No way. However, take a tomato, pulverise it beyond recognition and season it well, I’m in.  Hello, salsa, marinara sauce, and ketchup!

Somewhere along the way my palate changed.  While I’m not grabbing a fresh tomato and eating it like an apple, I am eating tomatoes.  What helped move my palate along?  The grill, of course.

In its simplest form, fresh tomato, heavily salted, and quickly grilled, is divine.  For something equally good, but extra special, light your grill and grab a cedar plank.  Tomatoes grilled on a plank take on this amazing sweet smoky flavor.  The basil just puts them over the top.  Try it as a side for your next dinner, or an appetizer with friends.

 Even if tomatoes are not your favorite, you will not be disappointed.

Cedar Planked Basil Tomatoes

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1   large fresh tomato, cut into ½ inch slices
3   basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1   tablespoon olive oil
     Kosher salt

1 Cedar Plank

Directions:

1. Soak a cedar plank in water for 1 hour.  Prepare the grill for direct medium heat.

2.  Remove the plank from water, and place the tomato slices across it.

3.  Brush the tomato slices with olive oil and heavily season with the Kosher salt.  Top with the chopped basil.

4.  Grill the plank over direct heat for 15 minutes.  Keep an eye on the plank in case it happens to catch fire.

5.  Remove from the grill and serve right from the plank.