2 large, ripe tomatoes (1 to 1 1/2 pounds total)
2 tablespoons fresh basil
3 tablespoons salad or olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

We prefer our tomatoes (and most fruits) at room temperature, since chilling them seems to diminish flavor. Therefore, I usually serve these at room temperature on a bed of loose-leaf lettuce

Slice the tomatoes into a deep dish or glass pie plate. Sprinkle the slices with the chopped basil. Mix the remaining ingredients with a wire whisk or fork. Pour this dressing over the tomatoes. Marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, spooning the dressing over the tomatoes occasionally. Serve at room temperature or chilled.