Tomato gratin

This has to be one of the easiest and tastiest side dishes. For variation, try basil or dill instead of the thyme. Serves three to four.

500g large tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch sugar
50ml double cream
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
2-3 tbsp grated parmesan (or other hard, mature cheese)

Preheat the oven to 200C. Slice the tomatoes and closely pack together in a single layer in an ovenproof dish. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar. Stir together the cream, garlic, thyme and cayenne, if using, add salt and pepper if you like, then trickle over the tomatoes. Scatter over the cheese, then bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve with bread and a green salad.