Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 sandwiches

　　2 pounds green tomatoes (about 4 medium), cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

　　1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

　　1 pound sliced bacon, cooked until crisp, reserving 1/3 cup drippings, and drained on paper towels

　　8 large slices firm white sandwich bread

　　3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

　　24 fresh basil leaves, washed well and spun dry

　　

Step 1

Preheat broiler.

　　

Step 2

In a small bowl coat 4 tomato slices evenly with cornmeal and season with salt. In a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet heat 1/4 cup reserved bacon drippings over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook tomatoes until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes, transferring them as cooked to paper towels to drain. Coat and cook remaining tomatoes in same manner, using additional drippings if necessary.

　　

Step 3

On a baking sheet broil one side of bread slices about 3 inches from heat until golden. Make sandwiches by layering, on untoasted sides of bread, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and bacon. Top with remaining bread slices, toasted sides up.