Intro to Cooking: BLT Bites

If there is one thing I have accepted about myself, it is that I always, ALWAYS, prefer appetizers to entrees. I don’t know why, but for some reason those little bits and pieces always sound way more enticing than a big ol’ plate of….just about anything. Maybe it’s because I have a hard time settling on just one thing, but this goes a long way in explaining my love of party food.

I love all things bite size (well, when it comes to food…), packed with flavor, and eaten with my fingers. One of my personal faves in this category is BLT bites. I was a late–comer to the BLT party (I thought I didn’t like bacon for years. How crazy is that?!)  but now that I’m on board, I can’t get enough. These little gems have the same enticing flavor combo as the big sandwich, but they’re mini, so they’re instantly better. The filling is jam-packed with unbelievable flavor – smoky bacon, sharp, salty cheese, fragrant herbs – while the ripe tomato shell gives it a fresh and summery feel. Deeeee-licious.

BLT Bites

16 – 20 cherry tomatoes
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped green onions
3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cut off the top of each tomato, just enough so you can get at the seeds but the tomato’s shape remains intact. Carefully scoop out the pulp. Put the tomatoes upside down on a paper tower to drain well. Combine all the other ingredients and mix well. Spoon as much filling as will fit into each tomato. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Share them with your friends…or eat ‘em alone in front of the TV (which is totes my preference).