Open-faced avocado & tomato sandwich

Summer is officially here! I have spent the last couple of weeks relaxing and enjoying the fine company of my loved ones back in Texas. 

One of the luxuries I appreciate most about moving back into my mother's house is the spacious kitchen I have to work with! All the pots & pans I want, all the utensils I want, and the list goes on. I love summer cooking for its freshness and the way it renovates my taste buds. Winter eating keeps me pretty one-dimensional, but summer inspires me to try all sorts of new flavors that I get too cold (read: lazy) to experiment with in Boston. 

This sandwich is one of many variations. The wonderful thing about sandwiches in general is the room to improvise & be spontaneous. I like starting with the basic avocado & tomato idea & building from there. For heartier sandwiches, add tempeh or soy ham slices. For a nice crunch, add your favorite greens! 

The thing about recipes is that you only have to follow them ingredient by ingredient if you really want to - sandwich recipes are so flexible. Use what you have in your fridge already & go crazy! Try a new kind of bread, spread, and different fillings. You may be surprised with what works for you. And as always, share your creation with someone you love. 

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

2 slices of your favorite bread, toasted (optional)

Small handful of fresh greens mix

1/4 large cucumber, sliced (peel if not organic!)

2-3 slices tempeh bacon

1/2 avocado, sliced

1/2 tomato, sliced (fresh or sautéed with a pinch of salt!)

1-2 slices favorite vegan cheese

Earth Balance or other vegan mayo, to taste

Dijon mustard, to taste

Preparation:

Cook the tempeh bacon as directed on the package while your bread is toasting. Spread the mayo & mustard on each slice of bread & set on a plate. Arrange the rest of the ingredients as you wish on each slice.

 If sautéing tomato, warm a bit of safflower oil over medium heat on a pan. Take your tomato slices & place in pan, cooking about 2-3 minutes on each side- sprinkling with sea salt. Place the tomatoes on your sandwich towards the end. Put the both slices together (if you can manage it!) & enjoy! 

*You could also try the salad version of this by using a large bed of mixed greens in a medium-sized bowl & tossing with the remaining ingredients!