Summer in Jersey - Fried Squash and Jersey Tomato Sandwich

Summer in Jersey - Fried Squash and Jersey Tomato Sandwich

Have you ever had a fried squash and Jersey tomato sandwich on Italian bread? If not, you are really missing out. A fried squash sandwich, as we call them, were a traditional summer sandwich for us, that we looked forward to as soon as the yellow squash and tomatoes were ripe. We would go and pick some ripe, Jersey, red tomatoes, and then start the simple, but oh so delicious process. My mom would peel the squash and slice them into thin rounds. She would then dip them into beaten eggs and then Italian flavored breadcrumbs. Then she fried them in vegetable oil, just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once they were crisp on the outside, but soft on the inside, we took them out and put them on paper towels to soak up the extra oil. We washed and sliced the tomatoes, then piled the squash and tomato slices onto the sliced Italian bread, and then added salt and pepper. Then my siblings and I would go to town on one of our favorite sandwiches. I have continued this tradition with my children, and now every year they too look forward to a fried squash sandwich. When you look at the picture, listen closely. You just might hear that hot oil sizzling, and that squash sandwich calling your name.