My Summer Love Affair

I know it’s only going to last through the summer, but all the same I’m in love.  If you’re not from the south, you may not be familiar with the summer love affair we have down here.  It’s sort of an open relationship; we talk about it with others and eagerly share.  It happens every year and once again, I am in love.  My love affair started in childhood with… The Tomato Sandwich!  Pure and simple with juices running down your arm so bad you either eat it over the kitchen sink or outside.  The lunch or dinner that reminds us how heavenly it is to have homegrown tomatoes.  Of course, they are good for breakfast or a snack as well.  As a child, I would grab one and eat like an apple.  Actually, I still eat them like an apple.  Fresh, succulent, real tomatoes - not those things the supermarkets ship in and try to pass off as tomatoes.

I have to believe this deliciousness is enjoyed in my local area of southern homes from Thornblade to the trailer parks.  We don’t judge (unless you use any mayo besides Duke’s).  I’m sure there will be a few people who disagree and use Hellman’s, but as for me and my family, anything but Duke’s is blasphemy. Using Miracle Whip is a plain out sin!

Up until the first ripe tomato, the anticipation builds, our mouth waters and we check the vines daily just waiting for that hearty red, luscious, nectar from the Gods.  Finally, we are blessed with the delicacy unmatched by any other.  I’m surprised it isn’t said Eve was tempted with a tomato instead of an apple.  Personally, I try to get the red heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market or someone else who has a beautiful garden.  Of course, I try to grow my own too, but a girl can never have too many tomatoes in the summer.  If you do, then fix up a batch of fried green tomatoes.  We all know those are wonderful – they even made a movie about them.  But there’s truly something special about the first tomato sandwich of summer.  Whether it’s heirloom or better boy, as long as it homegrown and ripe it deserves a special place on bread.

The perfect tomato sandwich takes less than 5 minutes to make and leaves you feeling oh so satisfied but longing for more.  Some of the simplest things in life bring the most pleasure. 

Here’s what you need.

White bread. (the cheaper brand will do fine – it’ll absorb all that juiciness)

Fresh, red ripe tomato

Duke’s Mayonnaise.

Salt/Pepper

Take two pieces of white bread

Slather both pieces with Duke’s

Then add the tomato slices to one piece of the mayo bread.  I use a whole tomato sometimes for one sandwich but it depends on the size and how thick you like your slices.

Salt/Pepper to taste

Add the other piece of bread on top.

Stand over the sink to eat or grab a roll of paper towels and eat it outside .  No point in using a plate as it’s going to be juicy perfection dripping all over the place.

Southern Scrumptiousness!

For variation a lot of people will add bacon and lettuce and make a BLT.  I admit that since I have a 22 year old son, I sometimes do that as well.  I suppose ours are more along the lines of artisan BLT since I usually buy fresh rosemary bread at the farmers market when serving as a meal.  Prepare as recipe above but add bacon and romaine lettuce. 

Also delightful is a grilled Mozzarella or Havarti cheese with tomato and basil. I suppose that's a grilled caprese.  However, none tempt the palate as much as a plain ole “mater” sandwich.

Yours truly,

Tina