Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Toast

2 pounds fresh Florida tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1/3 cup thinly slivered fresh basil
OR
1/3 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (8-inch long) Italian rolls
8 thin slices Prosciutto di Parma
OR
8 thin slices baked ham (about 4 ounces)
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
Servings: 4
1. Preheat broiler. Use tomatoes held at room temperature until fully ripe. Core tomatoes; chop (makes about 5 cups).

2. In a large bowl combine tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the basil, garlic, salt and black pepper; let stand at least 30 minutes.

3. Slice rolls in half horizontally, then vertically. Brush cut sides of bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; place on a shallow pan; broil until golden. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the tomato mixture; spoon remaining tomato mixture on rolls, dividing evenly. Top each with 2 slices of prosciutto, 1/4 cup Mozzarella and an equal amount of the reserved tomato mixture. Broil until cheese is just melted, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.


Yield: 4 Portions