Fried salami sandwich & tomato and bocconcini salad

Yes, I know it’s been way too long. Moving, extreme heat, and slacklining have all distracted me from baking and blogging for quite a while! I now, however, have something wonderful and delicious to share…

Baked salami sandwiches and tomato salad. It’s more amazing than I can actually demonstrate via text and not terrific photos. You’ll just have to trust me on this one and try it out for yourself. The crunchy salami, warm goat cheese, and roasted pepper make the perfect combo for a sandwich, while the grape tomatoes, bocconcini, and basil provide for a light and refreshing side.

Here’s what you’ll need and how it’s done:

Sandwich:
• Hot genoa salami (sliced, 50-100g / person)
• Roasted red pepper
• Goat cheese
• Fresh focaccia bread

Heat a pan to medium-high with ~1tbs of olive oil. Add salami and chopped roasted red pepper. Fry up for 7-10 mins until it begins to get slightly crispy on the edges. While this is frying, cut up the focaccia and prepare it for the oven. When frying is done, place the salami and pepper on bread and crumble goat cheese on top (best to be generous – you can thank me later). Bake for a maximum of 5 minutes.

Salad:
• Grape tomatoes (1-2 pints)
• Bocconcini (pearls)
• Red onion (1/4 finely chopped)
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Cut tomatoes in half. Strain and add bocconcini pearls. Finely chop and add basil and onion. Make a small mix of olive oil (1-2 tbs), balsamic (1-2 tbs), salt, and pepper and add it to the salad.

This was such a fantastic combo that we’ll definitely be making again, and when we do I’ll take and post much nicer photos. Enjoy, enjoy!

Grilled cheese & jam (in the toaster)

Yup, you read that right. I was kind of shocked when I saw this article on theKitchn, but 10 minutes later we were testing it out.

Some quick tips if you’re going to make this:

• make sure your toaster is clean / relatively crumb-free
• make sure your toaster is clean / relatively crumb-free
• make sure your toaster is clean / relatively crumb-free
• make sure the cheese doesn’t hang over the edge of the bread
• don’t accidentally put the toaster upright
• this will only work with a toaster that doesn’t have bread-holding cages that move in when you push down the toast button

Test your toaster on its side to make sure it doesn’t start to smoke (sorry for repeating, but I’m just sharing my lessons learned!). Put cheese on one piece of toast and put it in the toaster. Put a plain piece in the other slot. Toast lightly. Remove the plain piece of toast. Rotate the cheese piece 180 degrees to ensure even melting and toast again whilst you jam the other piece. When you’re done jamming, remove the cheese piece and slap ’em together. Enjoy a great sandwich.

Yes, this is kind of ridiculous, but it was tasty and fast. If you haven’t tried cheese and jam – try it now, you’re missing out.

The once-in-a-while sandwich

I warn you, this is not for the simple-sandwiched.

This here is a french toast peanut butter bacon banana maple syrup sandwich. Yup, you read that right.

All these things are good separately, so we just couldn’t resist making them into a sandwich. And it’s a good one. I think I even heard someone say, “Kitt, this is the best sandwich I have ever had in my life.” 

I dare you to make it. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s pretty straight forward:

Cook some bacon. While it’s cooking, slice a banana.
Make some french toast, being sure to add some cinnamon to the whisked eggs.
When the toast is done becoming french-like, spread some peanut butter on it. Do this while it’s still hot, so it melts and becomes extra delicious.
Next add the bacon. Then add a layer of banana slices. Finally, drizzle some maple syrup and close it off with the other piece of french toast.

Prepare yourself. This sandwich is good.

Also, maybe go for a bike ride after. Just a thought.

Photo credit goes to Mr. Kevin James. Get that website up soon so I can link people to your greatness.