Barefoot Contessa's Provencal Tomatoes

From Barefoot Contessa Family Style Cookbook. Ina says this recipe was inspired by Julia Child. Note: Do not use packaged bread crumbs; you must use fresh bread crumbs!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 6  ripe tomatoes (2 1/2 to 3-inches in diameter)
• 1 1⁄2 cups  fresh white breadcrumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
• 1⁄4 cup  minced scallion, white and green parts (2 scallions)
• 1⁄4 cup  minced fresh basil leaf
• 2  tablespoons  minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2  teaspoons  minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh thyme leave
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  grated gruyere cheese
•  olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the cores from the tomatoes, removing as little as possible.
3. Cut them in half crosswise and, with your fingers, remove the seeds and juice.
4. Place the tomato halves in a baking dish.
5. In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, scallions, basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt.
6. Sprinkle the tomato halves generously with salt and pepper.
7. With your hands, fill the cavities and cover the tops of the tomatoes with the bread crumb mixture.
8. Bake the tomatoes for 15 minutes, or until they're tender.
9. Sprinkle with the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 30 seconds more.
10. Serve hot or at room temperature.