Talk of tomatoes. chitter, chatter, chatty-chat-chat. Whisper, buzz, tweet and twitter. Giggle, gossip, pass the docket. Call me, tell me, ring me, text it. Talk, talk, talk, chitter-chat-twit. Hhhmmmmm---ever want to just put a sock in it?

... or a pile of breadcrumbs, pine nuts and Parmesan. That would work too.

Sometimes it is worth putting a sock it in. I mean, I am ALL for riveting dinner conversation, and online community and texting and chatting and writing and blogging... BUT when I want to focus on a bite, to soak up the flavors rolling around on my tongue or grasp the lingering finish of a good wine... silence. is. golden.

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....   mmmmm.

Yeah, you should try these tomatoes. Worth a moment of silence, and so easy---yet they add sophistication to any plate:

Stuffed Tomatoes 4 servings, half a tomato each.

3 T toasted pine nuts chiffonade of basil 1/2 - 1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs optional: 1 T pesto 2-3 T freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino seasoning: S&P (fresh basil, oregano, Italian Seasonings, etc.) olive oil

Combine ingredients except olive oil. Cut tops off tomatoes, remove inner seeds and give a good shake over sink. Set upright, cutting 1/4 inch of bottom of tomatoes so they stand properly, if necessary. Fill with mixture, drizzle with 1-2 tsp olive oil per tomato. Heat in 375 oven for 10 minutes and serve.