Broiled Tomato and Cream Cheese Sandwich

I just have to put this out there: these sandwiches are so not me.

They scream of fancy tea parties, beautiful women dressed to the 9’s with lace gloves and gorgeous hats.  I can just picture the delicate teacups and saucers, the lumps of sugar and the perfectly thin slices of lemon floating gently atop the perfectly brewed tea.

 

The colors are both stunningly bright and neutral at the same time; the tomatoes are perfectly sweet and savory, and the cream cheese adds the perfect amount of creaminess.  Slather and layer it all on some perfectly toasted artisan bread and you guys have yourself a deliciously decadent sandwich without even having to try!

So why would someone eat a sandwich that is SO not them?

 

Well, I guess it makes me feel a little fancy when I’m chowing down after a crazy difficult workout.  It almost makes me feel like I took a shower and styled my hair (WHOA NOW!), maybe even put on real clothes and took the time to wear makeup.  As far as I’m concerned any time I get to feel that way AND eat something that tastes yummy?  Well, my sweet friends, we call that #winning, totally worthy of hashtag fame!

BROILED TOMATO AND CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH

Makes 1 sandwich

• 2 slices bread of choice
• 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1 large heirloom tomato, washed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Before you do anything else turn on the broiler – you want that thing scorching hot! While you’re at it go ahead and move an oven rack right up underneath the broiler as well. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.  Slice the tomato into thick slices (a large heirloom will yield about 4-5 slices) and lay them in one layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the salt and the sugar; place under the broiler for 5 minutes, then flip them, and broil the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.  While the tomatoes are cooling, stir the black pepper into the cream cheese. Toast the bread to desired toastiness (that’s a word, right?), and then spread the cream cheese on one slice. Layer the tomatoes on top of the cream cheese, then top the tomatoes with the other slice of bread. Enjoy hot or at room temperature!