Tomato and Cheese Fans, from Jacques Pepin

Jacques Pepin is a chef I am just beginning to discover, thanks to The Hubby who likes him so much. During the last vacation, my cool mother-in-law brought home a hard-bound copy of Pepin's "fast Food My Way" and that's how I began to discover more of Pepin's dishes. They're delicious and easy to make. The kind you won't have second thoughts preparing after a hard day at work.

This recipe originally came out as Tomato and Mozzarella Fans in the Pepin book. But since I did not have mozzarella, I used kesong puti (native white cheese) instead. Equally yummy. Perfect as a side dish for fish, chicken or other kinds of meat, and other days when you just want to have a salad ;)

How to make and assemble:

Take a couple of extra large tomatoes and slice in several parts, stopping short of cutting them all the way through. When you've made several cuts, insert the cheese slices in between, until you have what resembles a red and white fan.

For the dressing: Mix in a small bowl 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsps. red wine or sherry vinegar, 1/4 tsp. salt and 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper.

Arrange the tomato on a serving plate. Spoon dressing on top. Put more olive oil on the side, then add diced red onion and chopped basil leaves, if desired.