Heirloom Tomato Pie

Name: Heirloom Tomato Pie
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/4 pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 4 medium), cut into 1/4-inch slices; 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 1-1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream; 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled; FILLING:; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. Bake: 35 min. + cooling YIELD: 8 servings.

My green-thumbed neighbors like to share produce with me. I return the delicious favor by baking tomato pies for all. —Angela Benedict, Dunbar, West Virginia

Ingredients

1-1/4 pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 4 medium), cut into 1/4-inch slices
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place tomato slices in a single layer on paper towels; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand 45 minutes. Pat dry.
2. Meanwhile, place cheese, flour and remaining salt in a food processor; pulse until blended. Add butter; pulse until butter is the size of peas. While pulsing, add just enough cream to form moist crumbs. Press dough onto bottom and up side of an ungreased 9-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Gently press bacon into dough. Bake 20-22 minutes or until light brown. Cool on a wire rack.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, herbs and garlic powder until blended. Spread over crust. Top with tomato slices; sprinkle with pepper. Bake 35-40 minutes longer or until edge is golden brown and tomatoes are softened. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 322 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.