When is a sandwich not a sandwich? Does it require the existence of bread or bun? Is a hot dog a sandwich? If they taste good, who cares! This “sandwich” casts aside the token bread and just goes for the good stuff in the middle – pan fried tomatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Bread would just mess it up.
SOFTWARE
· 1 beefsteak tomato
· 2 oz. mozzarella (from a mozzarella ball)
· 2 slices thick cut bacon
· 3 T. butter
· 1 c. flour
· 1 t. kosher salt
· 1 t. freshly ground black pepper
· 1/2 t. cayenne pepper (optional)
METHOD
1. Cut the top and bottom off the tomato. Cut it in half along the circumference into two large slices. Cut each of those in half the same way, so you have four slices of tomato.
2. Put the slices on a paper towel to absorb any excess liquids.
3. In a plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne, if you are using it. Drop each tomato slice in the bag and shake to coat. Repeat until all are done and set them aside.
4. Cut two slices of mozzarella from the ball – about the same width as the tomato slices. Set aside.
5. In a large cold skillet, place the bacon. Move the pan to the stove and turn on the heat to medium. Cook on one side for 5 minutes, flip, and repeat on the other side. Move the cooked bacon to a paper towel to drain, but retain the bacon fat left behind.
6. Return the skillet to the stove and add the butter. Once it has melted, add the breaded tomato slices. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
7. To serve, place one of the freshly cooked slices of tomato on a plate. Top with the slice of cheese and the bacon. Finish off with another slice of tomato.
8. Enjoy.
VARIANTS
Any soft cheese will do. Don’t use a hard cheese, because it won’t get very melty. If you are feeling brave, pick it up and eat it like a sandwich. Or use a fork and knife, if you want.
