My Latest Sandwich Creation

I love creating sandwiches. Using interesting and sometimes unusual ingredients can make them go from hum-drum to yum-yum.

Today I made a Bistro Sandwich. Start with a baguette cut into sections (4-6" long depending on your appetite) and split. On the lower half, spread Dijon mustard and mayo on the top half. Layer the following, starting at the bottom:

• thinly sliced bistro-style ham (pricey, but soooo good),
• thinly sliced shallots (not too many... intense flavor),
• sliced green pepper (I put it in almost all sandwiches... adds a nice crunch),
• sliced American cheese (I would have used Brie if I had it),
• arugula,
• and red leaf lettuce.

Other than bread, there are three essential elements to a sandwich: flavor, texture and moisture. Flavor is achieved by harmoniously combining ingredients; this one uses ingredients often used in French cuisine. Texture is the crunch; other than green pepper, you could use red pepper, iceberg lettuce, cucumber, etc. Moisture is created by condiments or sauces.

Create sandwiches of your own, or make mine. I'll feature some other sandwich creations here periodically.