Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    September 14, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00
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    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    August 31, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    August 27, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    July 23, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    July 16, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    June 24, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    June 16, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

    00:00

    Fried Tomato Sandwich by Foodie’s Chef Laura Brennan

          

    June 10, 2021

    Begin by making the cream cheese spread. You can mix it in a bowl by hand or in a mixer.
    Using the mixer will give you a ‘whipped and airy’ texture. (Alternately, you can whip it in a
    food processor, but remove the whipped cream cheese to a bowl and fold in the seasonings by
    hand.)
    Stir in the scallions or chives or whatever ‘allium’/onion you are using. Add the grainy mustard
    and a pinch of kosher salt and a couple of twists of the peppermill. Taste, adjust seasoning, set
    aside.
    The tomatoes. Wash, dry and de-stem the tomatoes. I used a medium-sized tomato so my
    slices would fit neatly on my bagel half and additionally smaller tomato slices are easier to cook.
    But, that’s just me!
    Carefully remove the tomato cores from each tomato. Slice each tomato into ½-inch slices and
    lay out on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the moisture.
    Using a fork, beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Add 1 ½ tablespoons
    vegetable oil to the eggs and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
    Toast and butter the bagels. Set aside.
    Cook the bacon, if using. Set aside.
    Put the greens in a bowl and set aside.
    Have the salad dressing and your tossing utensils at the ready as well.
    Panko-coat and fry the tomatoes. Choose two shallow dishes or small pans with 1-inch-high
    sides. Put half the panko crumbs in one dish. Use your palms and crush the panko a bit, just to
    make it a bit finer. Add half the flour to the other dish and lightly season it with a small pinch of
    kosher salt and a bit of black pepper.
    One by one, dip each tomato slice into the flour and pat/shake off the excess.
    One by one, slip each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, turning over to coat bottom side. Hold
    up each slice with a fork, to let excess egg fall back into the dish.
    One by one, lay each slice in the panko crumbs and turn over to coat completely. Gently pat
    the crumbs onto each tomato slice. Remove each coated tomato slice to a clean dish in
    advance of frying.
    (Note: Add more flour and/or panko crumbs to each dish as needed.)
    Choose a large sauté pan and set it on the stove on medium heat. After it has warmed up for a
    couple of minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat the oil until it just begins to
    shimmer but before it starts to smoke. Carefully add the tomato slices to the pan, one-by-one.
    The heat should be medium-high. Cook each tomato slice until crispy and browned. Turn each
    slice over to brown both sides. Add more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove each cooked
    tomato slice to a dish and lightly season with salt & pepper.
    Build the sandwiches. Spread each toasted & buttered bagel-half with a generous dollop of
    seasoned cream cheese. Lay slices of still-warm bacon (if using) on each bagel half. Toss the
    greens with dressing and put a bit on each bagel. Finally, pile crispy tomato slices on top of
    each bagel.
    Eat while still warm and over a plate to catch the juices!

    • Prep: 50 mins
    • Cook: 50 mins
    • Yields: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened for 15-20 minutes at room temperature

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

    2 tablespoons of chopped scallion greens or chives, dried shallots or onions, (or any

    combination) plus, more to taste

    2 bagels, split (I used ‘Everything Spice’ variety)

    2 tablespoons softened butter

    1-pound tomatoes, firm but ripe

    3 cups (8 ounces) panko crumbs

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    2 large eggs

    ½ cup vegetable or other neutral oil, divided, plus more as needed

    4 small handfuls washed arugula, watercress or baby spinach

    1 ½ to 2 tablespoons balsamic (or your favorite) dressing

    Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper

    optional: 2-4 slices cooked bacon per sandwich

    Directions

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