Instructions
3 large (about 1 1/2 pounds) firm fresh Florida tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon, divided, ground black pepper
2 slices (about 1 ounce) prosciutto di Parma
4 slices (about 2 ounces) fresh mozzarella
1/4 cup (about 1 ounce) crumbled gorgonzola
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 cup, divided, vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

From centers of tomatoes, cut eight 1/2-inch thick slices and four 1/4-inch thick slices. Coarsely chop remaining tomatoes; puree in blender with salt and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper.

On small plate, spread out flour. In a small bowl, beat egg. In a second bowl, combine panko and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Dip both sides 1/2-inch thick tomato slices first in flour, then egg and then panko mixture; set aside.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add breaded tomatoes; cook until golden on one side, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, turn tomatoes and cook until browned on the other side, about 2 minutes. Remove tomatoes to paper towels to drain.

Preheat broiler. On a rimmed baking sheet place 4 fried tomato slices. Top each with a piece of mozzarella, 1/2 slice prosciutto, a 1/4-inch thick tomato slice and 1 tablespoon gorgonzola; sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Broil, watching continuously, just until the cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes.

Divide tomato puree onto 4 plates. Place a broiled tomato stack in the center of each and top each with one of the remaining fried tomato slices. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

YIELD: 4 portions

U.S. WINNER
2009 Florida Tomato Student Chef Recipe Contest
Recipe by: Dominic LoGalbo
Supervising Instructor: Warrne V. Mah
Florida Culinary Institute, Riviera Beach, Florida