Sunday Supper - Grilled Heirloom Tomato Caprese Sandwich

The first heirloom tomatoes of the season have arrived! After a gorgeous afternoon at Eastern Market with a good friend, I returned home with a batch of beauties.

Now the dilemma . . . make a simple and fresh caprese salad? Or a good ole tomato sandwich? Then it came to me: turn the salad into a sandwich. And then grill it until the cheese melts to creamy perfection. Yes indeed. Don't mind if I do.  

Ingredients

Grilled Cheese Heaven

• 2 slices Italian bread
• 1 large slice heirloom tomato
• fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 4 sprigs fresh basil
• basil mayonnaise

Basil Mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• juice of 1/4 lemon

Directions

1. Heat a non-stick pan to medium heat.
2. Spread the basil mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread. (Feel free to spread on both sides of the bread for extra flavor.)
3. Place two or three slices of mozzarella on one slice of bread. Add the tomato slice. Top with sprigs of basil and another two or three slices of mozzarella.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, basil mayonnaise side out.
5. Grill the sandwich on medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown, 2-4 minutes per side.

Basil Mayonnaise

1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until combined.
2. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.