I am here today to write about one of my very favorite things. Yeah, that's right. You got it. Sandwiches. Sandwiches, you may know, have a long and illustrious history. Although it has been rumored among food enthusiasts that the hallowed "Duke of Sandwich" created this delightful meal by ordering his roast beast between two pieces of bread, the truth is more interesting; though less alliterative. The first recorded sandwich was actually consumed by a rabbi! For more on this stunning man, please see The History of Sandwiches.
Today, though, I am not here to discuss roast beast. Far surpassing Rabbi Hillel the Elder's wildest dreams, the sandwich is now synonymous with a wide range of delicious flavors -- from tangy to sweet, savory to salty, and all flavors in between. Yes, indeed. From its humble beginnings of roast beef and bread comes a meal that can include curry, bell peppers, vegetables, tofu, feta, parmesan, basil, salmon, and any other flavor under the sun. Everybody has his or her favorite sandwich, (I, for one, love turkey, lettuce, mustard, and cheddar on toasted wheat. Scrumptious.) and some adventurers have devised highly creative variations on a theme. Today, I come with two humble offerings. The Caitlin and The Susan. Behold.
The Caitlin
The Caitlin is a filling treat. Devised in California, this sandwich utilizes the contrast of its two main ingredients: the avocado and a fuji apple. Caitlin, in her Caitlinish ways, deftly juxtaposed the creamy green with tart and crisp. Combined with herb roasted turkey and Swiss cheese, this sandwich carries satisfaction to the tastebuds like no other.
Instructions:
Lightly butter (or spread olive oil) on two pieces of fresh french bread. Toast bread lightly. Slice avocado, apple, and cheese in thin slivers. When toast is ready, layer avocado, cheese, apple, and turkey evenly. Enjoy this gourmet sandwich with a light crisp wine or beer. I'm telling you, this thing is a meal. And fortunately, since it uses all the ingredients sparingly, you can create another swiftly -- and guilt free!
The Susan
All vegetarians, take heed! I have a delicious breakfast sandwich made of ingredients that have never eaten breakfast themselves. The Susan is a creation that utilizes some surprising ingredients. Susan invented this sandwich in Baltimore when she was earning her undergraduate degree in classics. And though I had a skeptical ear at first, thinking, "Oh Susan. You have read too much Cicero and have lost your mind," this combination is truly delicious.
Instructions:
Start with a bagel. Toast said bagel. Once toasted, smear a little cream cheese on the top. Next, add basil leaves. Yes, you read correctly. Fresh basil leaves. Chopped. It helps with the chewing. Next, add honey. Sweet, herby, scrumptious. So good, and you would never imagine. Unless you are Susan, of course. Thank you, dear friend. Eat with a cup of tea, I say.
In summation, the sandwich is a noble meal. Carbs, proteins, and veggies all mingle to pack a flavor punch. Like Susan and Caitlin, I challenge you to get creative in the kitchen! Come up with something new, and tell me all about it. Hillel the Elder will be so proud!
trying not to be slightly upset by the fact that only 2 of 3 are mentioned here... (*tear*)
ReplyDeleteMelinda, is that you? I didn't write the Melinda down! I am so ashamed. I will add you!
ReplyDeleteThe descriptions you wrote are so colorful! In other words, I am hungry and want to go buy avocados. Incidentally, I ate that bagel this very morning!
ReplyDeleteI request more Anna Beth on the internet.
Last night, I went to a bar called "Africa" with one of my friends. There was a giant painting of a bald eagle on the wall, which surprised us, because, silly white people that we are, we assumed that a bar named "Africa" would feature African kinds of things. But, boy, were we ever wrong.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, this bar (called "Africa," with paintings of bald eagles on the wall) had "nachochib cheejuh" on the menu, which perhaps you are able to guess is Korean for "nacho chips with cheese." This is not, though you may be tempted to think so, a traditional African dish.
Because we are white and very silly, my friend and I ordered the nacho chips with cheese in the African bar with bald eagles on the wall, with very surprising results. It was as if the proprieter was purposefully trying to make his customers question the very nature of reality and the fabric of space and time, because when they brought us the nacho chips with cheese, the cheese was in a small dish on the side, and the chips were covered--covered!--in whipped cream. Sweet, swirly, cold, and delicious. And, apparently, genuine Mexican-American-African cuisine.
All of that to say, perhaps it's not a sandwich, but it IS creative. And, as it turns out, pretty darn tasty, too.
caveat: the Caitlin is also ruinous to the top of one's mouth.
ReplyDeletebelieve it or not i used to hate sandwiches...until i met ANNA BETH one rainy day in August 2004. she's so darn descriptive. i'm drooling
ReplyDeletei'm dying laughing, AB! thank you for brightening my friday with sandwiches and rainbows! now get home for lunch and make me one! does 12:15 work?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE SANDWICHES! Thanks, AB, for appreciating their greatness.
ReplyDelete