What I'm about to tell you is so devastatingly simple that it can hardly be called a recipe. And yet, a friend whom I recently served this to declared that it "changed her life." All you need is vegetable kraut, bread and cheese. I ferment my own mixed vegetable kraut from whatever's in season. The variety pictured includes beets, red cabbage, carrots, and garlic aged on the counter for just a week because I like my kraut crunchy.

Bread can be whatever you have on hand, sliced fairly thinly. Same with the cheese - use anything that melts nicely, sliced thin.

Toast the sandwich open faced for 5-10 minutes at 400 degrees and you'll have a tangy, cheesey kraut melt. It doesn't take much time, but it might change your life.

Kraut Melt Sandwich

2 slices bread or sandwich bun 1/2 cup mixed vegetable kraut 4 slices swiss, provolone, cheddar or other cheese

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Place bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. 2. Spread kraut evenly over the two slices of bread. Top with cheese. 3. Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese is browned. Serve while warm.