Before I get into reviewing this recipe, I would like to clarify a few things about who I am. I am a college student, home for the summer, with basically zero background in cooking. My goal is to find recipes that I can make for myself as preparation for ultimately moving out on my own and facing the reality that I will be expected to feed myself without burning anything down. I also have a bad habit of picky eating. If I can make it through these recipes and find them enjoyable, they should be an almost guaranteed success.

This recipe is wonderfully simple to make (it has to be if I was able to figure out how to do it) and the results certainly seem delicious. Unfortunately, I cannot personally vouch for the taste, as I burnt my attempt beyond recognition. I'm blaming the oven, though- my mother says I did everything right!

The only potential issue I came across was the semi-obscurity of certain ingredients. I didn't have much of a struggle, as I still live at home during the summers, but I'm not sure I see myself owning balsamic vinegar and oregano after I graduate. Broiling is apparently another step which may cause results other than what was intended, namely charring the top of the sandwich to an inedible black square.

However, assuming it all comes together, the recipe is very highly reviewed, and I can say that both the marinade and the mayonnaise mixture are independently delicious. This one may be worth another attempt.

Mama's Best Broiled Tomato Sandwich

Prep Time: ≈10 minutes
Cook Time: ≈5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 slices bread, lightly toasted

DIRECTIONS

1.    Preheat oven to broil.
2.    In a shallow bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. Marinate the tomatoes in the mixture, stirring occasionally.
3.    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, parsley, oregano, black pepper and 4 teaspoons Parmesan cheese. Spread mixture on each slice of toasted bread. Place marinated tomatoes on 2 slices and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
4.    Place on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown. Serve immediately, open faced or closed.

EVALUATION

Taste: n/a
Ease of preparation: 4
Practicality: 3.5
Total: n/a

More From KUSJ-FM