Pimp Your Sandwich
Ham and cheese on white, turkey and swiss on wheat, pastrami on rye... the classic sandwich has long been an American staple, populating deli counters and filling up brown bags for generations. But just because it's tried and true there's no reason The "Sammy" has to feel old school. Whether you're hoping to whip up new and interesting lunches for your kids, looking for cool picnic ideas, or packing something for munching later at the office, there are lots of quick and easy ways to turn that sandwich out.
Bold Bread. Gone are the days of spongy, lifeless slices. Why waste your calories when you've got easy access to crusty French baguette, seeded whole grain loaves, herb-infused rosemary boule, or cheese focaccia? Bread is the building block upon which the rest of your masterpiece rests, so experiment and be bold!
Get Toasted. Nothing takes a sandwich up to a bigger better notch quicker than simply toasting the bread. The added crunch lends nuttiness and texture. Go light or crispy, depending on your preference. Try a plain old PB&J on toasted sourdough bread and you'll be a convert to toasted treats.
Soup Up The Spread. In addition to mayo, mustard and the like, you can also create your own gourmet homemade spreads in a jiffy. Make a batch and keep the stuff in the fridge. It's also the perfect treat to have on hand as a veggie dip. We love mixing up green or black olives along with roasted red peppers in a food processor until smooth (both can be found ready to go at the supermarket). Or make a garlic version by blending a few cloves with a bit of olive oil and sprigs of parsley. If that's too much work, try gourmet flavored mustards (readily available at your local Whole Foods, gourmet, or grocery store) or even hummus.
Give Cheese A Chance. Monterey Jack, Cheddar and American seem to rule the roost, but why limit yourself when there are dozens of tasty (and more interesting) alternatives like Jarlsberg, Gruyere and Blue? Try ham with a slathering of herbed cream cheese, your favorite veggies with sliced fresh mozzarella, or havarti with cucumber and avocado.
Make Me Melt. Rather than slapping a cold slice of cheese on your creation, why not pop that baby in the toaster oven for a few minutes? Melted cheese brings out the flavors and does a sandwich good! Plus, everything is that much yummier with a little melted cheese.
Wrap It Up. It's tough to beat bread, but if you're looking for an alternative, or are just being more carb-conscious these days, try wrapping deli meats and other goodies up in a crispy piece of iceberg or romaine lettuce. We also love warming up a corn tortilla on the stovetop and loading it with our favorite fillings.
All About Herbs. Sure, lettuce goes hand in hand with a sandwich. But why not experiment a bit with other green garden goodies like basil, cilantro and arugula for added taste sensations. Jazz up a grilled cheese with some fresh sage and a sprinkling of salty parmesan - delish!
Better Butters. Peanut butter will never go out of style, but mix up your PB&J routine with other butters like almond or cashew. Branch out on jelly as well - our current fave is St. Dalfour which boasts flavors like Raspberry Pomegranate, Mirabelle Plum, and Royal Fig. Replace the bread with a cinnamon raisin bagel - or sprinkle raisins directly on your PB sammy and dig in!
Fab Fixings. Dill pickles - ho hum… Our idea of sandwich fixings includes caramelized onions, sundried tomatoes, sliced olives, arugula, avocado, even sweets like dried cranberries or sliced pear. Often it's a combination of unlikely tastes that makes a sandwich really rock. How about ham and mango? Or cucumber and apricot?
Make The Cut. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate the artistry of a sandwich shaped like a butterfly. Use cookie cutters to turn out flowers, fish and anything you can think up. Your child will be the envy of all their friends at school which wins you big bonus points!
