Heirloom Tomato Tartine

First order of business, HEIRLOOM TOMATOES!!  They are in season here just in time for the start of summer and so beautifully ugly that I can’t stand it.  I had plenty of hands-on time with them this past weekend as well as a ton of other beautiful produce from Tanksley Farms because I volunteered to help them at the market when they were swamped. They also had two varieties of plums that I nearly drooled over.  PLUMS!!  They haven’t had them the past couple of years due to late freezes, but this year the weather cooperated.

So I’m going to admit that I feel a little silly sharing this recipe with you as it’s not much of a recipe.  It’s more of a guideline to slicing and placing things on bread.  But, I felt the need to share it because it’s just so damn good and it would be a travesty not to.  You start with a toasted slice of your favorite bread.  I’ve been using Food for Life’s rice & almond bread because it’s vegan friendly and has a nice, dense texture. After toasting, I slather on a bit of vegan mayo.  I’ve also been slathering on a bit of locally made herbed almond spread to take it to the next level, but do what you please.  Next comes the beautiful, juicy slices of heirloom tomatoes.  I typically use 2 and fit them on the bread just so.  Last comes a fat pinch of fleur de sel and dried tarragon.  Then, your reward for being ever so patient, is to devour your beautiful tartine.  Pardon me while I go devour another…

Heirloom Tomato Tartine
This makes an easy snack or quick lunch, but could also be elevated to appetizer status.  

2 slices of your favorite bread, toasted
4 large slices of heirloom tomato
vegan mayo
fleur de sel
dried or fresh tarragon

Slather each piece of toasted bread with a bit of vegan mayo.  Top each piece of bread with 2 tomato slices, then sprinkle a bit of fleur de sel and dried or fresh tarragon on top.  And you’re done!  Eat, enjoy, repeat. Makes 2 tartines.