Fried Ripe Tomatoes

These are similar to the popular fried green tomatoes, but this recipe uses ripe tomatoes. Try this one for a different side dish.

3 or 4 large ripe tomatoes
4 tablespoons corn meal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon Crisco shortening

Mix together the corn meal, sugar, salt and pepper.  Peel tomatoes and slice ¼ inch thick.  Heat Crisco and butter.  Coat tomatoes in seasoned corn meal and put into hot grease.  Brown on both sides, turning only once. Cook quickly, then move to serving platter.  Serve with cream gravy.