Squashed tomato sandwich-recipe

Squashed tomato sandwich
Photo: photo by Katie Dalrymple Photography
My daughter wanted a " Squashed Tomato Sandwich " for lunch today.This is a sandwich that my family has enjoyed for the last hundred years.When my Pop Braca came over from Campobasso,Italy and my Nonna from Naples,Italy times were ruff.Immigrants went from the depression of the 1890's into the depression fluctuating up and down into and through The Great Depression which lasted into the 1940's.These times were of despair and food was rationed and hard to come by.Money was scarce and food needed to stretch and feed a family on little or no budget.Running our family business meant everyone ate in shifts.It was necessary to have fast and easy meals to eat.This was a recipe that was easy,fast and cheap to make.Tomatoes were grown in the backyard and fresh bread was made daily.This recipe is adored by my family.Makes my mouth water anticipating each and every bite.I went to our local farmers market and asked for what I call ugly or spotted tomatoes.My farmers market usually has baskets of tomatoes with spots or bad spots on sale.You will need juicy,plump tomatoes.We will only use the inside.So we have no need for the outside.Does not matter what the tomatoes look like.You will need : 6 large tomatoes,1 loaf Italian Bread or 6 Italian torpedo rolls,sea salt and crushed ground pepper to taste,1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil per roll or 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for your loaf of Italian bread.Use your best judgement depending on the size of your loaf of Italian Bread.You want a thin coat on each flat side of the bread,hitting all corners and spots of the bread,using a pastry brush.The top should act like a sponge to the olive oil. If you need a little extra olive oil use it. 1 tablespoon crushed Italian seasonings,1/4 cup grated Locatelli cheese.Directions : Cut the rolls or loaf in half.Use a pastry brush and brush the flat side of your bread with the olive oil. Cut your tomatoes in half.With your hand on the round part of the tomato,flat side on top of the flat side of the bread,squeeze the inside of the tomato onto the bread and press lightly into the bread.Make sure every part of the bread on the flat side is touched by the tomato.Now my mother only likes the juice from the tomato.I like the meat of the tomato and juice.The only part of the tomato I waste is the outside.Use your judgement on the tomatoes also.You might want extra tomato essence then add another tomato.Use your own discretion.Always taste test your food as you go.You might need a pinch more salt or grated cheese.Now sprinkle with the sea salt and pepper to taste.Sprinkle with your Italian seasonings and grated Locatelli cheese and serve!