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
