Tomatoes With Cheese Sauce over Toast

This recipe is Southern style fried tomatoes with a mellow cheese sauce over toasted French bread. What could be better comfort food?

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 4  firm tomatoes
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 2  cups milk
• 1  cup  shredded American cheese (4 ounces)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 12  slices  French bread, toasted (3/4-inch thick)
•  paprika (optional)
•  parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper.
2. Cut each tomato into 3 thick slices; dredge tomatoes in flour mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet; add tomatoes, and fry slowly until browned, turning once.
4. Remove fried tomatoes from the skillet,and keep warm.
5. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add 1/4 cup flour and mustard, stirring until smooth.
6. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
8. Stir in the cheese and next 2 ingredients.
9. Arrange 2 slices of bread on each serving plate.
10. Top bread with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce and 2 slices of fried tomato.
11. Spoon remaining sauce over sandwiches.
12. If desired, garnish with paprika and parsley.
13. Serve immediately.
14. Yield: 6 servings.