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Farmhouse Tomato Sandwich & the Great Mayonnaise Debate

Aug 8th 2009ChloeIn the Garden & On the Farm & Recipes

 Oh, there is absolutely nothing quite so tasty
as that first homegrown tomato…Tomatoes on the farm at BIg Mill B&B

… and a tomato sandwich is even better!Tomato Sandwich at Big Mill Inn

There are many versions of this classic sandwich, but the down-home plain and simple sandwich made with white bread and Duke’s mayonnaise is the award winner.  

Chloe’s Farmhouse Tomato Sandwich Recipe

  • 1 medium size ripe, preferably homegrown, tomato
  • 2 slices bread (even the bread of my youth like Wonder Bread works great.) I really do like Pepperidge Farm Oat Bread now.
  • 2 Tablespoons Duke’s Mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper

Wash and cut the tomato into thick slices. Spread the mayonnaise onto both slices of the bread, one side only. Make sure to spread the mayonnaise to the edge of each slice of bread.

Place the tomato slices on one piece of bread. Add salt and pepper. Cover with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, of course.

Cut the sandwich into two pieces and enjoy the best tomato sandwich ever. How to cut the sandwich is debatable-corner to corner or straight across the middle? We all have an opinion. Serves 1.

This recipe was featured on the Bountiful Kitchen, a part of Inn Cuisine.

Guests at Big Mill B&B are enjoying a banner crop of garden fresh tomatoes this year

When I was a child I delivered baskets of tomatoes with my Schwinn bicycle to the restaurants in Williamston. Some were 3 miles away and I had to ride part way on a dirt road and partly on U.S. Highway 17. Surely couldn’t do it today.

Duke's Mayonnaise is a Southern staple and in the pantry here at Big Mill Inn

Here in the Inner Banks of North Carolina, Hellman’s Mayonnaise is sold to transplants. And don’t even consider Kraft Mayonnaise.

Just remember, if it ain’t homemade, it has to be Duke’s.

If you don’t believe me, ask Eddy Browning, food columnist for the New Bern Sun Journal. He heard tell of various barroom brawls in this great mayonnaise debate. Eddy does advocate for homemade mayonnaise, so stay tuned. We will have that recipe on Chloe’s blog soon.

So it is just normal here in eastern North Carolina to see a display of Duke’s with six shelves, lest we run out ….. forsooth.

14 Comments »

14 Responses to “Farmhouse Tomato Sandwich & the Great Mayonnaise Debate”

  1. From V B on 10 Aug 2009 at 10:25 pm #

    I don’t suppose you were exposed to the Miracle Whip alternative? What is it about that product that folks choose over Hellman’s and Duke’s? Personally, I love Duke’s and try my darnest to convince my Yankee family members and anyone else that if it isn’t home made then the best choice is Duke’s. V.B.

  2. Chloe on 11 Aug 2009 at 12:05 am #

    Oh, no Miracle Whip! blasphemy…LOL… I do think my mother sometimes used it for slaw, but never a tomato sandwich. Chloe

  3. Dr. Jay (one of your guests) on 11 Aug 2009 at 12:54 am #

    CHLOE – - – Today I had a tomato sandwich for lunch. It reminded me of your blog and recipe.

    Here in Eastern South Carolina, we have “Soggy Tomato Sandwichs.”
    The “Soggy” means that we double the amount of mayo!!

    If you like Duke’s mayo, try the sandwich with Duke’s sandwich spread. It includes enough pickle to jazz it up a bit!!

    Sincerely Dr. Jay ( One of your guests )

  4. Sandie on 13 Aug 2009 at 11:04 am #

    Chloe, I love the tomato and bicycle shots—so natural yet well composed! I’m a Hellman’s girl myself, although I have been known to use Miracle Whip in certain frozen fruit salads. When needed, it can add that certain twang that Hellman’s can’t provide. But on sandwiches and other salads—it’s true mayonnaise all the way!

  5. Chloe on 13 Aug 2009 at 11:30 am #

    hmmmm, but the minute you cross the Mason Dixon line, you will have “buck up” and try Duke’s Mayonnaise! :) Chloe

  6. Guy on 31 Aug 2009 at 8:21 pm #

    Never really gave much thought to the mayo……..just as long as it wasn’t salad dressing…yuck !! Had one last night…..with mayo of course.

  7. Cheese product on 24 Sep 2009 at 4:17 am #

    Quick and Good recipe.

  8. Sarah on 18 Oct 2009 at 2:03 am #

    We come to NC every November. My sis lives in Kernersville. Her husband is NC born and bred. Nothing but Duke’s in their house. I am a Hellmans fan myself, but when in NC I wouldn’t even think about bringing home anything but Duke’s. It just wouldn’t be right.

  9. Chloe on 18 Oct 2009 at 3:48 pm #

    And the Dukes habits do die hard. They do sell Hellman’s here in our stores, but mostly to transplants! thanks for your comments.
    Chloe

  10. TheWordWire on 20 Oct 2009 at 3:52 pm #

    I don’t have an opinion on the mayo debate, but I did want to say that I LOVE TOMATO SANDWICHES. My grandmother used to make them from her fresh garden tomatoes, and it remains one of my favorites. Thanks for bringing back the memory. I’m going to go make one for lunch!

  11. Aura on 04 Nov 2009 at 10:47 am #

    Hi Chloe – I’ve been missing your quiche – I enjoyed all the different ones. Enjoyed reading your take on the tomato sandwich. I kick it up an extra notch and add avocado slices..but then it’s not just a tomato sandwich. I don’t really pay much attention to the mayo. I’m not picky but I have used Duke’s.

  12. Chloe on 06 Nov 2009 at 12:49 am #

    Well, you know I am still making those quiches, so head on back. I think the avocado sounds great! tis a new take on the tomato sandwich. :)

  13. steve on 21 Apr 2010 at 8:17 am #

    It's pretty much game over without Duke's.  I've tried to match the flavor by making little home made batches, and still can't quite get that tangy zing they've got.

  14. Chloe on 21 Apr 2010 at 12:44 pm #

    I agree wholeheartedly!

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