Basil- in sandwiches!

A few weeks back, while making BLTs for dinner, my mom suggested we use basil instead of lettuce on the sandwich.  We only had arugula in the garden, and basil seemed like a much better pair with the tomato.  The resulting flavor was so incredible, it quickly became apparent that we’ve been limiting our sandwiches! The thought that basil only belongs wedged between mozzarella and tomato couldn’t be farther from the truth.  It belongs in many, many sandwiches.

Here is my most recent sandwich creation substituting big basil leaves for lettuce.  I urge you to make the switch, you won’t believe how good it is!

Toasted Black Forest Ham and Manchego Sandwich

Makes one sandwich

2 slices whole wheat sour dough bread (sturdy whole wheat bread, rye, or white sour dough would also work)

4 slices high quality Black Forest ham

4 small slices Manchego cheese (Manchego is a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, if you can’t find it a sharp cheddar would also work well)

2 slices ripe tomato

5 large basil leaves

1 T mayo

1 tsp mustard

Begin by preheating your broiler.  Lightly toast both slices of bread in your toaster.  Once toasted, spread mayo and mustard evenly across both slices. Layer the ham on one piece of bread, and top with sliced cheese. Place under broiler while you prepare the second side.  Place basil, then tomato slices on second side.  Once cheese is nicely melted, remove from oven.  Place ham and cheese side on top of the other slice of bread, pressing sandwich together slightly.  Cut in half and enjoy immediately.