Sandwich... the options are endless!

Deli Sandwich

The world loves it sandwiches. They come in all shapes and sizes.  All kinds of combinations of meats, veggie, fruits, cheeses, condiments and bread types. It would be hard find a restaurant that doesn't have one on the menu.   Some restaurants only have sandwiches on the menu.  Restaurants will boast of their signature sandwich. In fact the 2 Prickly Pears are trying to design their own signature sandwich.  It is almost a badge of honor or right of passage to say you have a treasured sandwich that is your own in the culinary world. And are they handy! You can put them in a lunch, eat them in a restaurant, eat them standing, sitting, laying in bed. They are eaten at all hours of the day from breakfast sandwiches to a midnight snacks. They are can be made hot or cold. Open faced or closed. They are sweat and/or savory. Some with no meat like the ever popular and traditional peanut butter and jelly. Right there you can argue what is the best peanut butter and jelly to use

Classic PBJ Sandwich

So where did they come from?  Where did they get their name?  

The names comes from John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.  He claims he is the inventory of this food combination.  But it is thought to date back to an ancient Jewish sage call Hillel the Elder.   it is said he wrapped meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzah (flat, unleavened bread) during Passover.

During the Middle Ages in Europe they used thickly slices stale bread as plates, which they called "trenches".  After the meal the bread that was food soaked was fed to the dogs of peasants.   As time went on local taverns would cut thin slices of beef that was hanging from the rafters and served them between two buttered pieces of bread. 

During the 19th century in Spain and England industrial revolution the sandwich became even more popular. For the working class it was a fast, portable and inexpensive meal to carry to work.  At the same time in the United States was becoming an "elaborate" meal of choice.  In the 20th Century bread had become a staple of the US diet.  It was at that time sandwiches were here to stay.  With in the increase of different cultures moving to the US and people traveling outside the US, the sandwich took on a life of its own.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Fun fact...

In the United States, a court in Boston, Massachusetts ruled that "sandwich" includes at least two slices of bread.[1] and "under this definition, this court finds that the term 'sandwich' is not commonly understood to include burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, which are typically made with a single tortilla and stuffed with a choice filling of meat, rice, and beans." The issue stemmed from the question of whether a restaurant that sold burritos could move into a shopping centre where another restaurant had a no-compete clause in its lease prohibiting other "sandwich" shops. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich)

Then there are the classic sandwiches that accompany another dish.  Like the Tomato Soup and Toasted cheese sandwich.

Definition of Sandwich  

1.  a. Two or more slices of bread with a filling such as meat or cheese placed between them.

       b. A partly split long or round roll containing a filling.

       c. One slice of bread covered with a filling.

       2. Something resembling a sandwich.

tr.v. sand·wiched, sand·wich·ing, sand·wich·es

1. To insert (one thing) tightly between two other things often of differing character or      quality.
2. To collide with or crash into (a person, for example) with impacts on opposing sides.
3.  To make room or time for: sandwiched a vacation between business trips.

Corned Beef - nothing better!

So how do you like your sandwich?  I am a simple sandwich person when I make them for myself.  I always think sandwiches taste better when someone else makes them for me.  But I am on a mission to get a mustard recipe ready for the cookbook so today I made a simple ham, swiss and lettuce with the experimental mustard.  I am almost there with the mustard but not yet.

Ham and Swiss Sandwich

However, my all time favorite sandwich since I have been a child is white bread with butter on with about a 2 inch layer if ice burg lettuce.  I am going to go make one right now!!!

Now go and make yourself a sandwich or for someone you love.