Tomato Croque Monsieur

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 lbs tomatoes, meaty and ripe, peeled, seeded, juiced and coarsely chopped (dip in boiling water for 30 seconds to peel easily)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons basil leaves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 slices white bread (firm, crusts trimmed if desired)
• 4-6 ounces gruyere cheese (thinly sliced)
• 2 teaspoons oil

Directions

1. 1

   With a food processor running, drop in garlic until minced. Turn off machine and add tomatoes. Pulse until finely chopped. (This step can also be done manually if preferred, which is how I did it).

2. 2

   Place mixture in a fine sieve over a bowl, stir in salt and allow to drain 30 minutes, pressing down on tomatoes from time to time.

3. 3

   Transfer tomatoes to a bowl and stir in basil and breadcrumbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. 4

   Arrange half the bread slices on a work surface and spread with tomato mixture. Cover with a thin layer of the cheese and top with remaining bread.

5. 5

   Film a large non-stick skillet with oil. Place as many sandwiches as will fit comfortably and fry over medium-low or medium heat, turning to brown both sides and pressing down lightly with a spatula until golden on both sides. (About 1 1/2 - 2 minutes per side.) Remove to paper towel to drain.

6. 6

   Repeat if necessary while finished sandwiches are kept in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven to be kept warm. Quarter sandwiches on the diagonal for canapes.