My Perfect Sandwich

Over the last month, I’ve been sharing some of the amazing sandwich recipes Bobby Flay has created specifically for Hellmann’s. 2011 is all about the perfect sandwich and I thought it was time to tap into my own creativity to come up with what I think is the perfect sandwich.

In my opinion, the choice of bread can make or break a sandwich, so it’s rare for me to choose a simple slice of white bread.  I prefer sourdough, whole wheat ciabatta, or a French roll, because very often the condiments spread on a simple slice of bread render it too soggy.

While I don’t always have the time, I prefer a grilled sandwich because I find the flavors come together nicely when heated.

The inside of a sandwich is where I find I can be the most creative.  If you’re a cheese lover like I am, experiment with Brie, Goat Cheese, Burrata Mozarella, and Swiss.  Try combining sweet and savory flavors in sandwiches for a unique, gourmet twist. Some of my favorites (although not to be used in combo) include cranberry, chutney, sun dried tomatoes, and pesto.  You can also get creative with your meat and veggies, but my preference is to go light on the meat and heavy on the fresh veggies.

Earlier this week, I created two Hellmann’s-inspired recipes.

Red Potato Salad With Dill

First, cut up the red potatoes into quarters and boil them about 15 minutes or until soft (but not falling apart).  Drain and cool the potatoes.  Cut up red onion and mix in with Hellmann’s mayonnaise, fresh or dried dill, garlic, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. You could also substitute rosemary for the dill and I think it would still taste amazing.

Grilled Turkey Breast Panini With Fresh Spinach, Warm Goat Cheese, and Pesto

To make the Pesto, puree fresh basil with olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic.   Spread a layer of Hellmann’s mayonnaise and pesto on one side of a Ciabatta roll, sliced in half and goat cheese (it’s spreadable) on the other side of the bread.  Layer fresh turkey breast, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes and heat with a panini grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.

We served the sandwich with the potato salad and a pickle and it was perfect!

What would you put in your perfect sandwich?

Disclosure:  This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in Hellmann’s Club Sandwich Program. For more great ideas, go to www.facebook.com/hellmanns.

 

 

Bobby Flay’s Turkey Reuben

When the weather warms up, I find myself looking for simple meal ideas that don’t involve a lot of time in a hot kitchen.  Grilled sandwiches offer the warmth of a hot meal without the time and hassle of using the oven.   This particular Reuben sandwich, with inspiration from The Big Apple, includes Bobby Flay’s Thousand Island Coleslaw and can be prepped and cooked in less than 30 minutes.  While you can definitely cook the sandwich on the stove (a cast iron pan works well for this), I recommend using a Panini Press, which offers the convenience of even heat distribution and a perfectly grilled sandwich!

Turkey Reuben with Thousand Island Coleslaw

Ingredients

1/2 cup Hellmann’s or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. dijon mustard
2 cups coleslaw mix
8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 lb. sliced cooked turkey

Directions:
1. Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, pickle, ketchup, vinegar and mustard with wire whisk in medium bowl. Season, if desired, with salt and pepper. Stir in coleslaw mix; set aside.

2. Top 4 bread slices with cheese, turkey, coleslaw mixture, then remaining bread slice. Evenly spread outside of sandwiches with remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Cook sandwiches, in batches, in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, turning once, 8 minutes or until golden brown.

I’ve been sharing some of Bobby Flay’s signature Hellmann’s recipes.  But very soon, I’ll be sharing my recipe for the perfect sandwich. Stay tuned!

Disclosure:  This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in Hellmann’s Club Sandwich Program. For more great ideas, go to www.facebook.com/hellmanns.

Simple, Affordable Meal Solutions From Publix *Giveaway*

This week, we make our annual trip out to the Southeast to visit my husband’s family! This week also happens to be BlogHer Food, which I will be attending for the very first time.  Our visits typically include a trip to the local grocery store to stock up on essentials.

Publix, the supermarket with stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama, is currently offering savings on popular brands. If you visit Great Deals On Great Meals, you’ll find simple, affordable meal solutions like this Warm Gingered Chicken Salad with Crispy Greens:

Phto Credit: Publix

Ingredients

1/2 cup Hellmann’s® Light Mayonnaise
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Pinch salt
1 Tbsp. orange juice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.)
6 cups torn romaine lettuce leaves
1 small bunch watercress (optional)
4 ounces snow peas (optional)
2 oranges, peeled and sectioned or 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained (optional)

Directions

  • In small bowl, combine Hellmann’s® Light Mayonnaise, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixture for grilling. Stir orange juice into remaining mayonnaise mixture; reserve for greens.
  • Grill or broil chicken, brushing with reserved 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixture, 12 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked, turning once.
  • In large bowl, toss lettuce and watercress with reserved orange juice mixture. To serve, arrange sliced chicken over greens, then top with snow peas and oranges.

Through May 29th, you can visit the site to download $10.80 in coupons from brands like Cheerios, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Hellmann’s, Bertolli, and more.

For quick and easy menu ideas and savings, visit Publix.

Win It! One of you will win a $25 Publix Gift Card. Simply leave me a comment with one of the recipes you’d like to create from the site. Comments will close on May 30th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review/giveaway supplied by MyBlogSpark/Publix.