SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS: OPEN FACED

I have often told people that I am not a huge fan of sandwiches. However, when I stumbled across this wonderful little article on Facebook yesterday, I realized that wasn't actually true. What I'm not too crazy about is the typical American sandwich, with packaged cold cuts slathered in mayonnaise, between a gob of mushy white bread. On the other hand, that article reminded me that what I do love is a well made, flavorful, open-faced sandwich, made with a good, hearty bread. When I was in France I fell in love with the Tartines mentioned in the article. On trips to Denmark our former exchange student Eric taught us to love Smørrebrød. And, when I bought my copy of Giada De Laurentiis's Everyday Italian cookbook, I fell madly in love with things like crostini topped with roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese, or even Nutella. Now, one of my very favorite breakfasts/pantry dinners -- a quicky I can make from things I usually have on hand -- is Giada's Italian Egg Sandwich. Hubby likes it too!

ITALIAN EGG SANDWICH

(1 serving)

3 teaspoons olive oil
1 large egg (I recommend farm fresh, pastured eggs)
1/8 tsp. coarse salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 slice rustic white bread (1/2 inch thick)
1 garlic clove
1 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not the stuff in the green can!)
1/4 cup warm chunky Marinara Sauce (Giada uses homemade, drained of excess liquid) or Pizza sauce

In a small, heavy skillet, heat 2 tsp. of the oil over a medium flame. Crack the egg into the skillet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the white is firm and the yolk almost set, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast the bread until golden brown. Brush the remaining 1 tsp. of oil over the toast. Rub the garlic over the toast, then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Spoon the drained marinara sauce over the Parmesan and top with the cooked egg. Serve immediately.

Buon Appetito!

P.S. This recipe got me to thinkin' that I should probably share more of my favorite recipes -- the kind that are super simple to make, utilize fresh local ingredients, and are packed full of flavor. In other words, recipes that are "Simply Scrumptious." Be on the lookout!