My first experience of making a Charlotte was at school, and it was a complete disaster! However, this recipe is very easy and gives delicious results every time. This is a hearty family meal that is ideally served with a green salad. The delight of a Charlotte is that the outside is crisp and browned, whilst inside is a deliciously aromatic soft filling. The quantities shown in this recipe serve 4 as a main meal.

Ingredients

• 6 thin slices Bread
• 75g Butter
• 400g tin Chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
• 75g Cheddar cheese, grated

Method

1. Butter the bread and cut each slice into 4 fingers.
2. Oil a small souffle dish, and line it with a single layer of buttered bread.
3. Place a layer of tomato on the bread, and season and sprinkle with some herbs.
4. Place a layer of bread on top of the tomato.
5. Repeat 4 and 5 until all the bread, tomato and herbs are used up, finishing with a layer of bread.
6. Top the final layer of bread with the grated cheese.
7. Place the Charlotte into an oven at 180 degrees C for 20 - 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and browned and the charlotte is cooked through.