Tomato Time

What could be better than biting into a big, ripe, juicy, heirloom tomato? Well maybe not much. But here are two close contenders.

For many it’s back-to-school sandwich time. It’s also ripe tomato time. Combine both in a toasted tomato, mayo, cracked pepper sandwich.

Here’s an alternate, instead of mayo, add fresh basil leaves, sliced baby mozzarella and drizzle olive oil for a caprese twist. Add a green salad, white wine and le diner est servi!

Here’s another gourmet version of my all-time favorite, grilled cheese –

Grilled Pepper Cheese Sandwich

These electric orange sandwiches elevate the traditional grilled cheese by way of a new take on an old Southern favorite: pimento cheese. Savour calls for sharp cheddar to counterbalance the sweetness of the roasted peppers and the punch of raw garlic. She also has you grill both sides of the bread, which keeps it crisp rather than soggy. Combined with a glass of dry white wine and a green salad, this is real home alone comfort food. – A&M (Shine, Yahoo, July 10, 2011)

Serves 1 (plus extra cheese)

Pepper Cheese Spread:

• 12 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 ounces roasted piquillo peppers
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup good prepared mayonnaise (Hellman’s or homemade)

Spread on two slices of bread buttered on the reverse side. Create a sandwich. Grill until golden and melted.

You may also like Gnocchi, Fresh Basil & Tomato Sauce, Ultimate Banana Bread and “Stinkin” Cheeses.