Grilled Cuban Bread with Marinated Tomatoes

Grilled Cuban Bread with Marinated Tomatoes

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:
1 loaf Cuban bread (or thick French or Italian bread)
Tomatoes, sliced
Tomato marinade
Garlic-herb butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, for garnish
1/4 cup julienned fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:
1. Ahead of time, blend the marinade ingredients until smooth and refrigerate. One hour before serving, pour over the sliced tomatoes.
2. Mash the garlic-herb butter ingredients together with a fork and refrigerate. Let soften 1-2 hours before using.
3. Light a charcoal grill or preheat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the middle.
4. Halve the bread lengthwise and spread the butter over the cut sides. Grill cut side down 3-4 minutes, or bake cut side up until lightly toasted.
5. Arrange the tomatoes overlapping down each half, sprinkle with Parmesan and grill or bake until the cheese melts.
6. Cut each half into 8 pieces, garnish with cilantro and basil and serve warm.