Toaster Oven Tuna Melt, Jersey Diner Style

Tuna Melt in Toaster Pan

Prepared January 20, 2013 for a late-night Sunday supper. Adapted from an online recipe. This dish begs the question of whether an open-face dish can be a Sandwich. The Earl of Which asks of that, 'Who cares?'

2 slices Jewish-style rye bread (Arnold's™ is good)
2 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
6 oz tuna salad
2 oz ripe tomato, sliced
2 oz grated sharp cheddar

Preheat the toaster oven on the broil setting. Place the bread on a pan, place the pan as far below the element as possible, and toast until the bread is nicely browned. Place slices of Swiss cheese on the hot bread, pile on the tuna salad, the tomato slices, and top with the grated cheddar, and return to the oven. Continue broiling for about 5 minutes longer, until cheddar is melted, bubbling, and browned. Serves 2.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Recorded July 22, 2012. Adapted from Jeremy and Suzanne's pasta salad dish.

8 oz penne rigate, cooked until tender in salted water
1 c grape tomatoes, halved
6 oz mozzarella, cut in cubes
1/4 c thinly sliced red onion
1 can Italian tuna packed in olive oil
2 T flat parsley or basil, minced
2 T lime juice
3 to 4 T vinaigrette dressing
salt and pepper to taste

Chill the drained pasta and place in a large bowl. Fold in the additions and then fold in the dressings. Adjust the seasonings. Serve cold as a light lunch or as part of a summer supper.  Variations:  For some crunch, toss in a handful of garlic croutons or bite-size pieces of iceberg lettuce.

Tuna-Helper Helper

Recorded January 28, 2010. Fresh broccoli boosts flavor and noursishment.

1 pkg Creamed Broccoli Tuna Helper™
1-1/2 cups water
1-1/2 cup milk
1 7-oz can albacore tuna, including pack water
3 T low-fat soft margarine
2 T dry minced onion
1/8 t crushed red pepper
1 stalk of broccoli
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Prepare Tuna Helper™ according to package directions except include the dry onion and crushed red pepper. Cut the broccoli into bite-size piece and microwave two minutes on high and set aside. When the noodles have five minutes more to finish, add the par-cooked broccoli, and continue cooking until it's just tender. Fold in the cheese, cover, and wait 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Serves four.

Tuna Noodle Hot Dish

Prepared and recorded January 14, 2010. An improv lunch.

8 oz package elbow macaroni

1 can cream of mushroom soup (Campbell's™ of course)
about 1/2 can of milk
1 5 oz can chunk light tuna with pack water
2 T dried minced onion
1 small can mushrooms with pack water
2 roasted piquillo peppers, diced
1 t Frank's RedHot Original Hot Sauce™ 
salt and pepper to taste
grated parmesan cheese

Preheat toaster oven to 325 ºF. Boil noodles for about 12 minutes in two quarts of well-salted water, until just tender. Drain well. In the same saucepan over medium heat, combine all the other ingredients except the cheese. Mix well, stir in the cooked noodles, and heat through. Transfer to an 8X8 inch metal baking pan. Sprinkle on a generous layer of parmesan. Bake 30 minutes uncovered. Let stand about 15 minutes at room temperature before serving. Serves 3 to 4.