I recently saw an episode of “Food Network Star”. One of the contenders claimed that his unique spin on a cooking show would be “every sandwich can be a meal and every meal can be a sandwich”. He had me at sandwich. I think sandwiches are best thing that happened to sliced bread. They are versatile, classic and a popular choice for all kinds of occasions. And since it just so happens that August is National Sandwich Month, I think we should explore this culinary fundamental and all it has to offer.

Your Sandwich As A Meal

Sandwiches find their place at breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks and late-night refrigerator raids.) The most popular fast food chains turn tasty profits every morning from people ordering breakfast “sandwiched” between biscuits, English muffins or bagels. Lunch is everything from quintessential PB&J to deli delights loaded with shaved meats and sliced cheeses. Probably the most common sandwich you’ll see at a dinner table is the hamburger!

Grilled cheese sandwiches offer seemingly endless options for any appetite. Sub sandwiches range from simply meat and cheese to ‘Dagwood’-esque creations. “Salad” sandwiches (chicken, tuna, ham, etc) can incorporate veggies and fruits and are often served open-faced with cheese melted on top.

Your Meal As A Sandwich

If you’ve ever struggled with changing up your mealtime routines, consider taking the things you often eat at a certain meal and turn them into sandwiches.

• Breakfast – turkey & cranberry sauce between two waffles or sausage patties between silver dollar pancakes
• Lunch – leftover meatloaf between 2 slices of sourdough bread or leftover stir fry veggies in a pita pocket
• Dinner – serve Chicken Parmesan on a Kaiser roll instead of over pasta or steak stir-fry on a deli roll (like this one, yum!)

Sandwich Your Inspiration

I fondly remember the day I decided to make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich. It was utterly brilliant and so delicious, I couldn’t believe I had never thought before to do it! I also remember finding out that grapes taste good in chicken salad and that pesto is a phenomenal sandwich spread! What are your inspired sandwich ideas? Do you have a special sandwich you make for certain occasions?