How To Make A Great Sandwich

The "How To" in "how to make a great sandwich," is as subjective as the individual making it. A great sandwich to me might not be so fabulous for someone else. There are a vast array of considerations that can be nailed down that lend to the making of your perfect sandwich.

First, consider your favorite bread. Mine happens to be the French hard roll. And, there are so many others to consider such as pumpernickel, sourdough, focaccia, and 12 grain wheat to name a few. The bread is the foundation for any great sandwich. It sets the tone for the rest of the sandwich making. For example, you might eat PB & J on twelve grain whole wheat, but certainly not on pumpernickel.

Next, you have to choose a meat or it's substitute. This is vital, as it is the body of the sandwich. Again, there are an enormous amount of options here, from pastrami, egg, and corned beef to peanut butter or mushrooms. If you are a vegetarian, for this crucial element you might want to consider a grilled, meaty, large Portabella mushroom cap or a juicy, thick slice of Beefsteak tomato for the body of your sandwich.

To cheese or not to cheese? As usual, this is up to the sandwich maker. It really depends, though, on the chosen meat. Peanut butter and cheese might not be appetizing, however pastrami and Alpine Lace would be scrumptious! If you decide to add cheese, consider it's lending qualities to help narrow your search. Do you want to pair your sandwich with something creamy like fresh mozzarella, something zesty like pepper jack, or something tangy like a sharp cheddar cheese? Always keep in mind that your cheese should compliment the base and body of the sandwich you are creating.

Then there are toppings for your masterpiece. These will round out your sandwich well (nutritionally) if you consider using veggies for meat, egg, mushroom, or tomato, to your taste of course. For peanut butter consider fruits such as banana, raisins, or even strawberry jam.

And the last step which is an important step that often gets completely ignored is: Cut your sandwich in half! This is a vital step for two reasons. First, it provides a finishing touch to the sandwich. But more importantly, this step allows you to start eating the sandwich from the middle, thereby incorporating all of the layers and flavors that you carefully stacked in. How many times have you bitten into the end of a sandwich only to get a mouth full of bread?

Finally, with the afore mentioned options, here are some sandwich builds for a few easy yet spectacular sandwiches for you to try building on your own:

The Ultimate PB & J

12 grain whole wheat bread - 2 slices
Spread a thin layer of butter inside both halves.
Spread Jiff peanut butter on top of one layer of buttered bread - about a 1/8" thick
Spread Strawberry Jam on top of the other layer of buttered bread - about 1/8" thick.
Sandwich together both sides facing in, Cut in half, Enjoy!

Fabulous Vegetarian Italian Snack

On Focaccia Bread Sprinkle just a little Balsamic Vinegar on both the top and bottom insides.
Add one Beefsteak tomato slice to the bottom followed by Basil Leaves, and a fresh Mozzarella Cheese slice, Top with just a light shred of Parmesan-Oreggiano Cheese, Cut in half and serve.

The Wake-Me-Up Egg sandwich

Fry one egg for each person eating, breaking the yolks. Do NOT overcook - youlk should still be gelatin-like.

Sourdough Bread - 2 slices, toasted and buttered
Putting the Buttered side in, layer on one half the egg, on the other REAL mayo.
Add a few pieces of fried onions, peppers, and/or tomato
Press halves together and cut in half. Serve immediately.

and

Melissa's favorite sandwich
One French hard roll - about 6" in length, split open
Add real mayo and light mustard
Layer on sharp cheddar cheese
Then pickle and 4 oz. pastrami
Wrap in wax paper and microwave on high for 30 seconds or until just barely hot.
ENJOY!