Vegetables
Dennis' Zucchini & Tomato Gratin

3 medium Italian zucchini, unpeeled 3 very ripe medium tomatoes 1 cup panko

1/2 cup grated Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese 4 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400F.

Wash zucchini and slice lengthwise about 1/4-inch thick. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with olive oil. Lay out the strips of zucchini on the cookie sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Roast in pre-heated oven until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the zucchini to cool.

Wash and core tomatoes and slice about 1/4-inch thick.

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese and pepper, mixing well. Drizzle in about 2 tbsp of olive oil, enough to coat the bread crumb and cheese mixture.

Lightly coat a shallow broiler-proof, microwave-safe casserole dish with olive oil. Arrange the zucchini and tomatoes in the casserole dish in alternating rows. Top with the bread crumb and cheese mixture. Cover and microwave to heat the tomatoes and zucchini through. Remove the lid and place under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the top just begins to brown.

Notes

Makes 6 servings.