I honestly enjoyed the cool spell though after a week of 95 degree weather and sun that burnt my skin instantly. Seriously...
So this inspired a classic. Nothing fancy, just plain old comfort food. I really, REALLY don't enjoy tomato soup out of the can so I always prefer to make my own with whole tomatoes (out of a can...does that make me a hypocrite?). And I also like sprucing my grilled cheese up a little with some nice cheese and some good quality ham.
Rainy Day Lunch
Soup:
1 large can of whole tomatoes (good quality)
1 large clove garlic (chopped)
pinch of red pepper flake
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chicken or veg stock
1 tsp of both salt and pepper
drizzle of good Olive Oil
Take the tomatoes out of the juice from the can (reserve the juice for the soup as well) Put tomatoes in food processor and pulse until chunky consistency. If you want a smoother less rustic soup, blend until smooth.
In a soup pot, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of good olive oil over medium heat. Add the shopped garlic and the red pepper flakes and let cook for about a minute until slightly golden (not brown!) Add your tomatoes and all of the juice from the can and the stock to the pot and bump heat up to high so it comes to a boil. Add the salt and pepper and lower to a simmer for about 20 minutes so flavors can combine. At the end, add the fresh basil and a little shredded parmesan cheese if you want, and grilled cheese of course!
Grilled 'Panini'
2 loaves potato bread
2 slices of black forest ham
sharp cheddar cheese
Apple or pear slices (optional)
1 tbsn butter
Melt butter in a pan and place assembled sandwich on pan and smash down with a piece of foil topped with a cast iron pan. cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Turn and smash again and cook for another 3-4 minutes..
Enjoy with the soup. YUM.
