WHATS THAT SMELL?! Quick Tuna Melt

Well I am in Wisconsin, and that means Cheese! So since I have been sort of sluggish about posting blog entries this week (I've been busy, sue me) and since I stopped into the Carr Valley Cheese store, I have decided to do two recipes that incorporate fresh Wisconsin cheese. Tune in next week for Wisconsin Cheese Part Deux!

Just a little note first: Every time I am in Wisconsin I stop into Carr Valley Cheese. The staff is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable and the store is open 7 days a week. They have several stores in the state, but I think the one in Mauston, Wisconsin is the most convenient for trucks. Simply take I-90 Exit 69. Truck parking is available across the street from Carr Valley Cheese at either the Pilot or BP. The fried cheese curds at the motel restaurant next to Carr Valley Cheese are highly recommended.

Now on with the recipe for the week:
Quick Tuna Melt Sandwiches
Recipe notes: This recipe requires a TOASTER OVEN. If you don't have one, click on the link. They are VERY handy for cooking on the truck. The recipe recommends Day Old Cheddar or Mild Cheddar, the sharper or more aged the cheddar, the longer it takes to melt.




What You Need:
a can of tuna (drained)
4 slices of bread
Dijon mustard (to taste, a little bit goes a long way)
Mayo or Miracle Whip (to taste, but at least enough to coat the tuna)
two to four nice thick slices of DAY OLD Cheddar. You can also use Mozzarella or Muenster if you prefer

Optional additions:
diced onion, sweet relish, tomato, jalapeno (I always add onion)

What You Do:
Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees. While its preheating, toss in the bread.
While the bread is toasting, combine all the other ingredients in a small disposable bowl.
Smear the tuna/mayo/mustard/optional veggies mix on two pieces of the toast and the slices of cheese on the other two pieces.
Toss it in the toaster oven face up for 7-10 miles, combine the cheese side with the tuna side and enjoy

Alternate Directions:
I like open face tuna melts, so if you do too, simply smear the mixture on all 4 pieces of bread, top with cheese and bake 7-10 minutes. For a slightly burnt crust on the cheese, use your toaster oven's broil setting for a few minutes.

Serve With:
I like to eat my tuna melt sandwiches with a pickle, some slices of tomato and a handful of chips. But you be the judge.