1/2
cup
firmly packed fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
1/4
cup
pine nuts, toasted
1
clove garlic, quartered
1/8
teaspoon
black pepper
2
tablespoon
olive oil
4
ounce
goat cheese, crumbled
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Directions:
1. Slice off the very top of each tomato. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each tomato so they stand level. Scoop out tomatoes from the top using a very small, narrow spoon. Turn upside down on paper towels to drain.
2. For pesto, in a blender container or food processor bowl combine 1 cup basil, the parsley, nuts, garlic, and pepper. Cover and blend or process with several on/off turns until a paste forms, stopping machine several times and scraping the sides. With the machine running slowly, gradually add oil and blend or process to the consistency of soft butter. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the goat cheese.
3. Spoon pesto mixture into a small self sealing plastic bag. Snip a very small hole in one corner of the bag. Seal bag. Squeeze pesto into the tomato shells. Place filled tomatoes on a serving plate. If desired, garnish with small basil leaves. Makes 30 tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Directions: Prepare as above through step 3. Cover and chill up to 4 hours.