Sexy sandwich selections

This week, Mom helped me decide what to make for my column. She wanted sandwiches so I went looking for some sandwiches we could enjoy. Then, she told me whether they sounded good or not and we chose the recipes together. After I went looking through past columns to make sure I didn’t repeat my intro, I realized I had not ever dedicated a column to sandwiches. Go figure! I think it’s a perfect time to remedy that.

A good sandwich is not hard to make and they are so easily personalized to match individual tastes. If you don’t like what I have chosen on these recipes, pick something different! First, choose fresh, quality ingredients. Pick up cheese and meat from the deli section and get it sliced fresh. Try the meat shaved so you can pile it on thick! Get the cheese sliced a little thicker than sandwich so you can get a good taste of it on the sandwich. Yum! Try some of the more aged cheeses or a smoked one for a new flavor. I like a good pepper jack, but provolone, Gouda or Muenster are also good options.

Pick up your produce the day you want to make the sandwich or the day before. You want maximum freshness for best flavor. If you can get it from the local farmers market, even better. Get them whole and slice it yourself just before you make the sandwich for maximum freshness. While we are speaking of veggies, don’t be afraid to add something a little different. Avocado, sliced or smashed with some seasonings, is a great addition to a sandwich. But you can also try spinach instead of regular lettuce and add olives, peppers, mushrooms or even coleslaw for something different.

Don’t be afraid to mix up your condiments. Try a chipotle mayo, barbecue sauce, pesto, hummus or even pepper jelly for a unique taste. A new flavor may be just what you need to kick that sandwich to a whole new level. Consider your pairing when choosing a condiment. Tame a heat with a little sweetness. Take something creamy like mayo and add a zest to it with barbecue sauce or sriracha.

Don’t just use regular sandwich bread. Go for something outside of the box.

Try a toasted rye or hoagie roll.

Bake some large biscuits for sandwiches. Use a croissant or go even more unconventional and use a waffle or pancake to make a sandwich. Leave out the bread altogether and use a tortilla to make a wrap instead or use lettuce and leave out all carbs.

Assembling the sandwich makes a difference as well. Be deliberate in how you stack everything. Condiments make a great base on the bottom slice of bread. Then, you need heavier vegetables like pickles on bottom. Add your cheese and then your meat. Then, top with the lighter veggies like tomatoes and lettuce. If you so desire, add more condiment to the top slice of bread, either the same or even something completely different. Or instead of a condiment, try smashed avocado. So good!

One final suggestion for a great sandwich. Grill it. There is little better than a light toast and a little heat to a great sandwich. This week, I went with easy recipes that took very little time to put together regardless of what time I got home from work. I had a wedding cake to make this week and didn’t really have a lot of extra time to spend cooking anything elaborate. Luckily, sandwiches really take little to no time. This weekend make your grocery list and pick up some deli products. Then, meet me in the kitchen for some easy recipes that are quick and filling!