Roger Verge's Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil

This is from Roger Verge's Vegetables in the French Style. A friend of mine calls these Tomato Poppers, each little warm cherry tomato pops in your mouth when you eat them.

1 generous pound cherry tomatoes
1 garlic clove, peeled
20 basil leaves
2 tbs. chopped parsley
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme leaves

Wash the tomatoes, dry them thoroughly and remove their stems. Chop together the garlic, basil, and parsley. Warm a serving dish in a 200ºF oven. Put the oil into a skillet over high heat. When the oil begins to ripple, add the tomatoes. Sprinkle with the sugar, salt, and pepper and toss briefly. Add the garlic mixture and the thyme and mix well. Serve immediately in the hot serving dish.