TOMATO GRATIN CASSEROLE

Did you grow tomatoes this summer and into the fall and have so many that you are giving them away?  Well if the answer is yes, then this casserole will be a great use for tomatoes.  If you love tomatoes, then this casserole is an answer to prayer.  It is simple and tasty and is something the kids might eat because it has crunchy on top.  Tomatoes are very nourishing and contains the antioxidant properties of lycopene and vitamin C.  Studies have been done to prove that tomatoes are good for the heart and the body in general.  Tomato is the big secret to preventing disease and researchers say prevents cancer.

Ingredients:

4 sliced whole-grain bread torn into quarters
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup finely shredded Romano, or Parmesan cheese
4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F . Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray
Place bread in a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs from.  Add garlic, oil and cheese; pulse to combine, spread the seasoned breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, layer tomato slices in the prepared baking dish, sprinkling each layer with basil, pepper and salt.  Bake the tomatoes for 10  minutes; sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumbs, and bake for 10 minutes more.
Serve immediately.

Note:  if you are in a hurry, buy seasoned breadcrumbs.