Exciting Summer Sandwiches

There are always many hot days during the summer months. This year however, there have been even more days of intense heat than usual. On really hot days my husband is adamant that I stay far away from both the oven and stove top. This leaves me with only the microwave, waffle/sandwich maker and George Foreman Grill to aid me in preparing a meal.

Over the years we've come to enjoy a delicious sandwich on unusually hot days. Although paninis and hot subs are favorites of mine, I prefer cold sandwiches when it is extremely hot. Cold sandwiches are great on hot summer days, but can become boring and repetitive if eaten too often. With a little creativity and flair, you can create gourmet sandwiches your family will look forward to eating throughout the summer.

Choosing a Bread

A good sandwich begins with a quality bread. This summer fill your bread box with something other than just plain white or wheat bread. Shop for breads at the bakery instead of the grocery store. Some tasty sandwich options to consider include soft onion rolls, spinach tortillas, Hawaiian bread rolls, foccacia, ciabatta, sourdough or rye breads. Bagels also make a great bread for sandwiches. For a little fun, buy an assortment of bagels and let each family member choose their bagel type. Some great bagel flavors for sandwiches include garlic, cheese, onion or poppy seed. Surprisingly, some sweet bagels such as strawberry or blueberry make for delicious sandwiches when combined with the right meat and toppings. One of my favorite is to combine a fruity bagel with chicken salad for a nice summer sandwich.

Meat Choices

The core of a tasty sandwich is the meat choice. Visit your local delicatessen to purchase some quality meats. A few great sandwich options include sliced roast beef, pastrami (also now available in turkey), honey ham, salami and corned beef. While at the deli pick up a couple of sandwich salads as well such as seafood, chicken, tuna or egg. You can also buy a rotisserie chicken and carve it for a really tasty sandwich meat. Try layering meats for a really hardy and filling sandwich.

Cheeses

Although cheese is not a sandwich requirement; it can be a great addition when complimentary to the meat. Gouda and feta are some of my favorite cheese choices, especially when I'm making a turkey or chicken wrap. My husband on the other hand prefers cheese with a little bite or spice. Some good spicy cheeses are pepper jack and chipotle cheddar. Other good sandwich cheeses include Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, cheddar and Monterey Jack. A flavored cream cheese is also a good choice. One idea is to spread cream cheese over a tortilla. Add sliced turkey and homemade cranberry sauce for a tasty wrap.

Sandwich Toppings

To make for a more healthy sandwich, I like to load it up with lots of veggies. Veggies can also give the sandwich a little crunch. Some choices to consider include alfalfa sprouts, cucumbers, red or white onions, sliced olives, cherry peppers, green peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, shredded carrots, arugula, hot peppers, and avocado slices. Apple slices, pears and cole slaw are also great on cold sandwiches.

Sandwich Condiments

Condiments add flavor and personality to a sandwich. Be creative with your condiments. Try a few salad dressings such as honey mustard, Russian, ranch or Italian dressing for a unique taste. Some other great choices include dijon mustard, brown/spicy mustard, mayo and just oil and vinegar. Mix fresh fruit purees (like mango) or an herb like cilantro with mayo for a really fresh taste.

Other Sandwich Ideas

Consider wrapping your sandwich in lettuce instead of bread. This is an especially good option for those looking to cut calories. Wrap bacon and tomatoes in lettuce for a different spin on the BLT. To avoid turning on the stove top, prepare bacon in the microwave. Try turkey (for the health conscious), cracked pepper or brown sugar bacon.

Top off your sandwich with a toothpick and a stuffed olive or grape tomato for a nice look.