Savory Sandwich Ideas TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-314 -- More Projects »
TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham shares clever tips for bringing variety and loads of flavor to that lunchbox staple, the sandwich.
- One quick and fun way to add variety to a sandwich is to try a different type of bread--a hearty rye, whole-wheat, or maybe a light flaky croissant (figure A).
- There are many routes you can take when it comes to sandwich spreads (figure B). Besides flavored mayonnaise, cream cheese makes a wonderful spread. Add chopped olives and/or chives to make add flavor to the cream cheese. Try some roasted peppers or other flavorful treat as a sandwich topper.
- An easy way to get out of the same old sandwich rut is to wrap your favorite ingredients in a tortilla (figure C). The density of tortillas allows you to use "saucier" spreads such as Caesar or Ranch dressing.
- Make an attempt to vary your routine by substituting ingredients. For example, instead of regular mayonnaise, mix in a little fresh garlic before spreading it on the bread.
- If you love red meat but need to make the sandwich a little healthier, try substituting Portobello mushrooms. They have a very rich flavor and solid consistency, plus they work very well as the base of a sandwich.
- Cold cuts, peanut butter, cheese, meatloaf, ketchup, chicken, turkey, beef and tuna-fish salad all freeze well, allowing you to make a large batch all at once. Most can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. Mayonnaise, eggs, jelly and fresh vegetables should not be frozen. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the sandwiches first in aluminum foil, then in plastic freezer bags. Pack sandwiches in the lunchbox directly from the freezer. They will thaw in time for lunch.
- To keep sandwiches from becoming limp and soggy when preparing them for daily lunches, spread butter or margarine all the way to the crusts before adding filling. Another option is to spread mayonnaise between the layers of meat and cheese, rather than on the bread.
- Place the dry smaller items close to the spreads so that they stick to the sandwich.
- Use a narrow, rubber spatula to apply the spreads if you don't have a spreader.
- For a fun party sandwich, try using round bread. Slice horizontally, add your ingredients and slice like a pie.
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