MMM, Tuna Melts!

Tuna melts are not only quick and easy to make, but also give you a chance to experiment a bit with anything you might have lying around. About 20 minutes is all it takes for cheesy goodness.




What you need:

One can of tuna (in water)
Mayonnaise
Cheese - Cheddar is the classic, but use what you like.
Bread - Traditionally, English muffins are used, but any bread with a hard crust on the bottom will work. Here, I took the leftover part of a piece of French bread.
Optional:
One scallion
One tomato

A toaster oven is also handy, but you could use a full-size oven, or even try doing this on the stove with a pan and a lid.

First thing you'll have to do is drain the water from the tuna. The easiest way is to open the can, but leave the lid in. Holding the lid with your thumb, press down gently to force the water out.

Next, dump the tuna into a bowl, break it apart with a fork, and add about two tablespoons of mayo. Some like Miracle Whip; I'm more of a Hellman's fan - I like to bring out the best. Then, add a little black pepper--about two or three twists of the grinder should do it.

Want to get crazy? How about some paprika? You wild man, you.

This next step is optional, but adds a nice bit of crunch. Slice one scallion thinly--about a millimeter thick--and add that to the tuna. You can also use onions or pickles here too, or nothing at all.

Next, spread the mixture on your bread.

Do you like tomatoes? Then slice one up, and add it to the top of the slices. Don't care for tomatoes? Avocado works well here, too.

Now slice and add the cheese. The more the merrier!

Next, put the whole thing into the toaster oven, set the temperature to 350, and let it go for about 10 minutes. Since toaster ovens vary widely, you're basically looking for the cheese to melt and go blubblubblub.

Something like this. Enjoy!