Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

6 large tomatoes, not too ripe

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/4 cup Shallot, minced

2 Tbsp Yellow onion, minced

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 cup Tomato pulp, scooped from the tomatoes and chopped

1 Tbsp Orange juice

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4  cup Pesto

1/3 cup Seasoned Italian bread crumbs

Instructions

Remove the core of the tomatoes and slice across the very top of the tomato. Using a teaspoon scoop out about 1 Tbl of the pulp from each tomato and roughly chop it.

Over low heat, heat olive oil in a small sauté pan. In the sauté pan cook the shallot, onion, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes. Add the tomato pulp, orange juice, and Worcestershire sauce and cook 4-5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the pesto.

Divide the mixture evenly among the hollowed-out tomatoes. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the tops of the tomatoes.

Prepare the grill. Cook tomatoes over direct medium heat for 5 minutes, rotating tomatoes one-quarter turn and cooking for 3-5 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Recent Recipes

A Quiche for David

Quiche is French in origin, so this recipe is probably an abomination to some. My friend David Trigiani is a dual-citizen Italian is always taking a stand in the French food versus Italian food debate. Heavy whipping cream is a must, and never buy pre-shredded mozzarella. Grate your own. The same goes for parmesan cheese. Never, I repeat never buy that powdery substance in the green can. Invest in a good grater and you'll be a better cook for it. David lives in Jackson, Mississippi, but spends most of his holidays in Italy. He’s an excellent cook, though I have never eaten quiche in his home. Maybe this will inspire him, and I’ll get an invitation.

Read more

Orange Crepes with Sugared Cranberries

I prefer fruit over chocolate after a meal. Orange and cranberries are a perfect pairing, especially during the holidays. This is an excellent and easy dessert after a heavy meal. These can be served individually on small plates or in a casserole for a buffet.

Read more

Grilled Tripletail with Lump Crab and Chive Beurre Blanc

Tripletail has always been my favorite Gulf fish. The old-timers used to say, "If you can see a tripletail, you can catch a tripletail." They have this peculiar habit of floating near the surface around buoys, crab traps, and other floating objects, often lying on their sides and appearing almost lifeless. This behavior makes them easy to spot and, if you're quick with your cast, easy to hook. The meat is mild, white, and flaky—perfect for grilling. Pairing it with lump crab and a chive beurre blanc elevates this dish to something truly special.

Read more