yumsugar -- To die for.

'Wich of the Week: Navajo Taco

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:04 -0800

Countless sandwiches are native to America, but the Navajo Taco is a Native American sandwich in the strictest sense of the word. Made by piling New Mexican taco fixings onto traditional Navajo frybread, this scrumptious sandwich is a specialty of Arizona, so on a recent trip to Phoenix, I stopped by The Fry Bread House to do some firsthand research.

My first question, of course, is why a Navajo Taco — also called an Indian Taco — is considered a sandwich rather than a taco. The crucial distinction is that tacos are made with tortillas and sandwiches are made with bread — in this case, Navajo fry bread, which tastes like a cross between a thick fried pita and funnel cake without the sugar. Indian tacos are typically filled with beans, ground beef, or a combination of both; I opted for refried beans, flavored with strips of New Mexico green chiles. Salivating yet? For the juicy details and a recipe,

Subway Introduces Flatbread Sandwiches

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

Today Subway has announced that, beginning next Monday, it will offer flatbread as an option for any of its existing sandwiches, and will also introduce two new sandwiches, Chicken Florentine and a Steak & Bacon Melt, made with flatbread.

In a departure from Subway's signature fresh-baked bread philosophy, the flatbread dough will be baked off premises, then supplied to Subway franchises and finished off in on-site ovens.

With this launch, Subway is attempting to make headway in a tight market that includes other chains such as Dunkin' Donuts and Quiznos, which both already carry flatbread sandwiches. Do you think Subway's new product will take off?

Source

'Wich of the Week: Rotisserie Chicken, Chutney, and Cheese

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:32 -0800

Store-bought rotisserie chicken is one of the tastiest culinary shortcuts around. It's incredibly moist and flavorful, but all you have to do to prepare it is pull the meat off the bird. Since I love leftover sandwiches, I combined my current passion for chutney and bread-and-butter pickles with some excess chicken from a recent dinner.

The mango chutney, salty-sweet pickles, and smoky chicken come together to create a perfectly provocative bite, while the melted swiss and sprouts hold the potentially slippery sandwich in place. It's a ridiculously easy meal you can make in minutes, but the flavors are anything but simple. To get the recipe and step-by-step photos,

'Wich of the Week: Hawaiian Pizza Sub

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:00:09 -0800

I'm surprised how many people share my affinity for pizza topped with Canadian bacon and pineapple. While I will happily devour many, many slices of Hawaiian pizza, it seems like an unlikely popular favorite. But to my delight, the yummy combo endures, so I figured why not turn the pizza toppings into a ridiculously easy sandwich? This Hawaiian pizza sub would be even better with fresh pineapple, but since it's out of season, I bought canned. To make up for it, I made the tomato sauce from scratch, though any premade marinara will do fine. The key is finding a great, soft sub-sandwich roll that will toast nicely without being hard to sink your teeth into. If you like Hawaiian pizza, you will devour these things almost as quickly as it takes to make them — that is, really fast. To get the recipe and step-by-step photos,

Would You Eat This Palin Sandwich?

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:30:09 -0800

Last week I couldn't stop gushing about Ike's Place, my new favorite sandwich joint in town. Well, this weekend, I made a return trip there and tried one of their new offerings, an election-minded sandwich called The Palin. Generously sized for its $8.98 price tag, The Palin was jam-packed with shredded chicken breast, deep-fried mozzarella sticks, blue cheese, and Frank's Red Hot Sauce. While I wished there had been a little less hot sauce, I thought the result was one heavenly mess.

Would You Eat This Palin Sandwich?

Yes — it looks delicious!

I'm undecided.

No, the combination sounds gross.

No. I can't eat anything named after Sarah Palin!

'Wich of the Week: The Ex-Boyfriend at Ike's Place

YumSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:00:41 -0700

I love Ike's Place so much that I could start a 'Wich of the Week spinoff devoted solely to sandwiches from Ike's. I was hesitant to write about my new favorite sandwich place in San Francisco, since the lines are long enough already. But keeping the enormous, palate-entertaining creations to myself wouldn't be in the spirit of sandwich love.

Opened a year ago, Ike's is a tiny storefront in the Castro neighborhood, barely big enough to accommodate its sizable staff — making sandwiches this well is no easy task — and massive menu of 50-plus sandwiches with playful names like Nacho Boy (hot roast beef, mushrooms, avocado, and swiss) and the Paul Reubens (a take on the Reuben with poppy-seed coleslaw). Priced between $7 and $9, these are some of the largest sandwiches I've ever eaten; if I have one for lunch, I'm hardly hungry for dinner. But that's not even a taste of why I like Ike's. To count the ways,

'Wich of the Week: Cap'n Blue Cheese Chicken Sandwich

YumSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:00:09 -0700

With double-meat sandwiches, it is important to tread carefully. So for this indulgent combination of marinated chicken and cured meat, I gathered exceptionally gourmet ingredients: Point Reyes blue cheese, capocolla (aka coppa) from Chris Cosentino's Boccalone deli, and organic chicken thighs. Since I was piling meat upon meat with creamy cheese, I made extra-small sandwiches using soft but firm dinner rolls.

Somewhere between salami and pancetta in terms of flavor, the capocolla adds a bacon-y bite, so the resulting cap-and-cheese-laden creation is reminiscent of a bacon cheeseburger without the beef. Using chicken thighs and a nutty, salty marinade adds to the heartiness, while the sautéed mushrooms and tomato help temper the richness. To get the recipe for this double-meat delicacy,

Taste Test: Domino's Submarine Sandwiches

partysugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:15:57 -0700

Last week YumSugar and I got our hands on Domino's recently released hot submarine sandwiches. The sandwiches, which come in four flavors — chicken bacon ranch, Philly cheese steak, Italian, and chicken parm — filled our office with a delicious smell of fresh-baked bread. Each sandwich comes in a neat box that effectively retains the heat. To find out how the sandwiches tasted,

Katie Lee Joel's Award-Winning Burger

partysugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:15:16 -0700

Former Top Chef hostess and cookbook author Katie Lee Joel was crowned this year's queen of the Burger Bash. The event, which was hosted by Rachael Ray, was a part of the Food Network's NYC Wine and Food Festival. Joel was the only participating female among the 18 chefs who submitted burgers. Her burger was a cross between a hamburger and a grilled cheese.Dubbed the Logan County Hamburger, the burger is a creation of Joel's grandmother who made the burger with cheap ingredients during tough times. It's simple, yet delicious and intensely comforting. The combination of the beef, melted cheese, and crisp bread is perfectly satisfying. Look at Joel's recipe and

Adventures in Expensive Sandwiches: 'Wichcraft Anchovy

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:13 -0700

On my last adventure in expensive sandwiches, I declared that while I will (in rare cases) pay $10 for a sandwich, it'd better be divinely delicious, pretty hefty, and well assembled. I can especially be persuaded to part with serious dough if the sandwich features somewhat weird ingredients, and this white anchovy and soft-cooked egg sandwich from 'Wichcraft is a far cry from turkey and swiss.I've sampled several sammies at 'Wichcraft, the chain cofounded by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, and the results have been hit or miss. The slow-roasted pork with red cabbage and jalapeños is divine; the chicken salad is merely ordinary. Obviously, if you hate anchovies, you should probably skip this one, but for the more adventurous, this truly innovative and bold sandwich is worthy of its $8.95 price tag. To find out why, and get the recipe,

'Wich of the Week: Fall Gouda-ness Grilled Cheese

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:39 -0700

When the produce bins brim with Fall bounty, I love to swap out the tomatoes on my sammies for sliced apple. Together with melted cheese, the slightly sweet, slightly tart fruit makes for a hearty autumnal meal.

Though apple and cheddar is always a safe bet, last night I whipped up a grilled ham and cheese with one of my favorite indulgences: smoked gouda. With the condiments, I created two versions: one with just sweet mustard and another with mustard and Branston Pickle relish. I actually preferred the robust, saltier sandwich with the Branston, but if you don't like (or can't find) this popular British spread, sweet mustard will do just fine. For vegetarians, just subtract the ham. To get the recipe and see how I made it,

'Wich of the Week: Fish and Farm Baguette

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

Faced with some random farmers market booty a few weeks back, I ended up inventing a rather out-there sandwich that may just be one of my favorite creations since I started this series. This pile of goodness combines quick stir-fried veggies with orange roughy fillets baked in a parchment paper pouch — or, in my case, a paper bag since I was out of parchment. Either one works equally well.I used zucchini, leeks, and peppers to take advantage of what's in season, plus some enormous trumpet mushrooms I couldn't resist buying. But you could easily adapt the veggies on this 'wich to correspond with the changing seasons. The sweet marinade for the fish reminded me of a delicious sea bass, and the Asian flavors played well off of the simple baguette. To see how I made this easy but surprising sandwich,

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Oct. 1, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Early autumn is a perfect time to try some of Italy's most charming reds. — Boston Globe

Satisfy the football fans

Los Angeles Times

Why Tom Colicchio's newest restaurant concept is sure to be one of the toughest reservations in town. — Diner's Journal
Top choices and worst picks for sustainable seafood found on sushi menus. — San Francisco Chronicle
Enter the fascinating realm of faux food. — Chicago Tribune
Meet Jen Lin-Liu, one of America's experts on Chinese cuisine. — Washington Post
The time is ripe for enjoying green tomatoes. — The Oregonian
Why a rice cooker ought to be standard equipment in your kitchen. — New York Times

Source

'Wich of the Week: Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffle 'Wich

YumSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:00:51 -0700

Last weekend I was struck by a very intense craving for one of my nostalgic childhood foods, so I hightailed it to the grocery store to buy some frozen waffles. I've said before that some of the best sandwiches evoke memories, and this recipe goes back when I was maybe 7 or 8, and my mom fixed me some waffles before realizing we were out of syrup. She improvised to make this sandwich, and "peanut butter and jelly waffles" soon became one of my favorite meals.Like the nonwaffly version, this PB&J is very easy to make and can inspire countless variations: almond instead of peanut butter, different flavors of waffles or even waffles from scratch, honey in place of jelly, Elvis-style with bananas, and on and on. To see what I did,

Coming Soon to a Starbucks Near You: Piadinis

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:45:50 -0700

Starbucks sure is indecisive. Last January it announced that breakfast sandwiches would be pulled from its stores. Then in July it changed its mind and simply modified the sandwich recipe. Now Starbucks has decided to expand the breakfast sandwich menu! Next week the coffee giant will introduce the Piadini, a stuffed breakfast sandwich made on artisan bread with either sausage, egg, and cheese or mushroom, spinach, and ricotta fillings. To ensure that the new sandwiches get maximum exposure, Starbucks is putting ovens in 800 more stores. Changing the menu is nothing new; earlier this month Starbucks added oatmeal, apple bran muffins, and multigrain rolls to the morning menu and within the next year, the company plans to broaden the lunch menu.

I'm excited to try the new breakfast offerings — the spinach feta wrap is one of my favorite hangover cures. How about you? Are you sick of the Starbucks sandwich talk, or will you enjoy the Piadinis?

Source

Savory Sight: Smørbrød

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:50 -0700

In case you haven't noticed, I am fanatical about sandwiches, which is why I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I came across the pictures that FinnLover posted in Twinkle's Kitchen Goddess group of smørbrød: Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches.

Norwegian for "butter bread," these smørbrød sandwiches are everywhere in her current home of Bergen, Norway. "People eat them for breakfast, lunch, and at night before going to bed," she says. "I normally like to keep mine really simple and the ingredients to a minimum." This combination of red bell pepper and Snøfrisk, a spreadable goat cheese, is simply spectacular.

Don't forget to share any enticing food photos of your own in the Savory Sights group. For more mouth-watering smørbrød,

Palin Pig Sandwich: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:30:49 -0700

In case you haven't gotten enough of Barack Obama's "lipstick on a pig" comment, restaurant owners in Sarah Palin's home state of Alaska have decided to make a sandwich based on the statement.The McPalin Grilled Pig Sandwich is on the menu at Lion's Den in Anchorage, AK. Said owner Dale Keefe, "I kept thinking about that news story when I was making sandwiches and I just kind of had an epiphany."The $13 sandwich, which has been selling out at the restaurant, consists of pork tenderloin, caramelized apples, red onions, melted cheddar cheese, and crisp bacon. It comes with an unusual side of fries and lipstick. Source

Palin Pig Sandwich: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

'Wich of the Week: Grilled Chicken, Onion, and Apples

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:04 -0700

I have a serious weakness for savory-sweet combos, including sandwiches featuring apples. Since I've been craving baguette sandwiches lately, I decided to indulge my two sandwich fixations at a friend's recent barbecue (hence the paper plates).

These sandwiches are as easy as making kabobs, throwing them on the grill, and simply showcasing the ingredients on a fresh baguette. I coated the chicken with some poultry rub I found in my friend's pantry, but you could just as easily use salt and pepper, and if you don't own a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven.

The important thing is charring the chicken just right and cooking the apples until they are warm but still juicy. Though some of the guests were puzzled at first by the combination of onions and apples, everyone loved the tender and tart results. To get the easy recipe,

Adventures in Expensive Sandwiches: The Sentinel Salmon

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:43 -0700

I am willing to pay a pretty penny for a good sandwich. But considering that one of my favorites is less than $3, I have very high standards for any sandwich that costs more than $8. I'll pay 10 bucks, but it better be good. Or huge. Or both.On that note, I'm introducing an occasional feature within 'Wich of the Week called Adventures in Expensive Sandwiches. First up: the smoked salmon with horseradish cream cheese, cucumbers, and fennel at The Sentinel. This tiny shop, located just a few blocks from Sugar HQ, was recently opened by Canteen's Dennis Leary. Since I love his fine-dining fare, I decided to give Sentinel a shot. To see what I thought,

Is a Hamburger a Sandwich?

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:15:19 -0700

My friends and I often debate this very question. Does the almost universally loved category of sandwich include hamburgers? In many ways, the hamburger has transcended the definition of sandwich; if you are craving a burger, you probably wouldn't say, "I really want a sandwich." But I guess technically, it's still a sandwich. What do you think? Source

Is a Hamburger a Sandwich?

Of course a hamburger is a sandwich!

No. I think "hamburger" has become its own thing.

Hmm . . . I'll have to think about this some more.

Who cares? I just like to eat.

Other — Tell me your take on hamburgers vs. sandwiches below.

Nancy Silverton's Fancy-Pants Sandwich Cookbook

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:17:38 -0700

How you feel about Nancy Silverton's Sandwich Book depends on how you feel about sandwiches. If you see sammies as a fast dinner option on a busy night, then this is not the book for you. But if you prefer to elevate your humble sandwich with gourmet ingredients, then you should give Silverton's book a shot. As she writes in the intro, "Don't look at them as complicated sandwiches, but as satisfying entrees on bread."

This cookbook grew out of the Thursday sandwich nights at LA restaurant Campanile, where different twists on classics like the grilled cheese are showcased every week. The 100-plus recipes are divided into eight categories, some more sandwichy than others. For a detailed breakdown,

Yummy Links: From MoMA Sporks to Pizza Cakes

partysugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:33 -0700

Ramen sporks and more from MoMA. — Hostess With the Mostess
Wedding season's not over yet: A wedding cake reality show debuts on WE. — Epi-Log
These magic bars are made for tiny kitchens. — Simply Stated
Try to get your head around this 20-layer sandwich. — Slashfood
Who says you can't make easy cinnamon buns at home? — Baking Bites
Taste testing beer chips and fancy M&Ms. — Chow
Stumped by spaghetti squash? Here are five delicious ideas. — FitSugar
Adjust your recipes with this super-cool calculator tool. — The Kitchn
So cute! A cake that looks like a pizza pie. — Serious Eats

Source

What Side Do You Enjoy With a Sandwich?

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:45:00 -0700

Source

Would You Eat This Pork, Beef, and Bratwurst Sandwich?

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:16 -0700

At a recent outdoor festival, a friend of mine ordered this sandwich, called the "Gutbuster," from a barbecue stand. The soft bun was piled with three kinds of meat — beef brisket, pulled pork, and beer-braised bratwurst — and topped with spicy sauce. Though it looks kinda gross, I have to admit that it was full of delicious flavor. Would you dare to bust your gut with this monstrosity?

Would You Eat This Pork, Beef, and Bratwurst Sandwich?

Yes! I love barbecue. The bigger the better.

I'd take a taste, but I wouldn't be up for the whole thing.

No, I can't imagine being able to stomach that.

I'm a vegetarian, so no way.

Other — I'll explain below.

'Wich of the Week: Shrimp Rémoulade Po'Boy

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:15:35 -0700

I love a good leftover sandwich, so after whipping up shrimp rémoulade the other night, I made sure to save some shrimp and sauce for a second dinner, sandwiched inside a crispy, sweet baguette. The flavor of the rich, robust rémoulade against the flaky French bread and cool, fresh shrimp was so yummy I wish I'd made sandwiches the first time around, rather than just serving the baguette on the side.

The recipe is equally easy as a from-scratch sandwich or a leftover reinvention. As with the rémoulade recipe, you can make the sauce a day in advance and let the taste intensify over time. Though I used butter lettuce, you could also dress it with shredded iceberg or romaine. The most important thing is finding a perfectly fresh baguette (or freshening up the bread you bought the day before). To get the recipe,

'Wich of the Week: Ham and Swiss on Dutch Crunch

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:15:09 -0700

San Francisco's Roxie Food Center is an unassuming corner store, located on an unlikely residential block, that's rumored to have remarkable sandwiches. I've been meaning to try it for months, so a few weeks ago I made a special trip just to get my jaws around one these sammies.

Though the store has all the usual varieties of bread and cold cuts, I'd heard great things about the Dutch crunch rolls, which are topped with a sugary, salty crust. The mere thought of the salty-sweet bread combined with jalapeños and pickles made my mouth water, so I ordered a ham and swiss sandwich, dressed with everything and warmed in the oven. For the rest of my Roxie sandwich adventure,

'Wich of the Week: Avo Spinach Panini

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:00:42 -0700

Not all of you were loving my last vegetarian sandwich, so I thought I'd try again with a recipe inspired by a recent trip to San Francisco's (appropriately named) Panini. Perfectly pressed in a warm panini grill, this sandwich taught me several lessons about making smushed sammies. First, I never think to put avocado on a hot sandwich, but it held up well in the heat and added a deliciously creamy texture. I was also astounded at how much spinach was piled onto the massive sourdough slices — seriously, like a cup of spinach — but after a few minutes in the press, the spinach had wilted and the bread had flattened so that the sandwich was very compact and manageable. The contrast between the earthy greens and smooth avocado make for a delectable combo. To learn how to re-create it at home,

Mexico Whips Up World's Largest Torta

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:45:38 -0700

Mexico's had a long love for tortas — 48 yards, to be exact.

Earlier this month, Mexico City caterers created Central America's longest-ever sandwich, coming in at 48 yards. With the help of 45 torta outlets, the oversized baguette took only five minutes to make. The 1,320 pounds finished torta was filled with over 30 ingredients, including ham, cheese, avocado, and lettuce.

The baguette — which will go down in history as one of the world's largest food feats — was part of the kickoff for a three-day torta festival in Mexico's capital.

Source

Domino's Pizza To Do Sandwiches

partysugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:15:14 -0700

Last week Jack in the Box expanded their breakfast menu to include brunch bowls, and this week Domino's Pizza has announced plans to introduce submarine sandwiches. The pizza delivery chain will offer four different kinds of baked sandwiches, including a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich and a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The $4.99 sandwiches will be delivered with or without a pizza order.With the sandwiches, which are available to order beginning on Aug. 25, Domino's hopes to increase lunch sales. Last Spring, Pizza Hut added pasta to their menu, so it's no surprise that Domino's is looking for other ways to grow profits. What do you think about the expansion? Will you try Domino's sandwiches?

Source and Source

Toastabag: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00:32 -0700

These little toaster bags quickly turn your toaster into a sandwich maker. While I think it's a creative concept, I'm also rather skeptical: How would a whole sandwich fit into a one-slice toaster? Wouldn't the melted cheese settle at the bottom of the bag? And, more importantly, couldn't this be a serious fire hazard? I'd love to hear your thoughts below. Have any of you ever tried a Toastabag?Source

Toastabag: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

'Wich of the Week: Sunny Chicken Sandwich

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:04 -0700

Sandwiches stand out for different reasons, and it often has nothing to do with gourmet ingredients or fancy sandwich shops. Sometimes, a sandwich tastes good because of the memories it evokes — hence, the proverbial PB&J like mom used to make. Other times, it's more about the sandwich experience than the sammie itself, as is the case with this week's 'wich.I recently organized a goodbye get-together for some friends who are moving cross country. Taking advantage of a sunny evening, we headed to the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley, CA, south of San Francisco. This 150-year-old roadhouse has an enormous beer garden, cheap suds, and totally no-frills food that's perfect for picnic tables.

The divey joint is mostly known for greasy burgers served on flattened French rolls. The chicken sandwich was prepared pretty much the same way, except with chicken. While the soft, toasted roll was a nice touch, the most notable thing about this sandwich was the warm Summer evening and good friends surrounding it.

What sentimental sandwich experiences have you had lately? Share them and find out how to make my sunny chicken sandwich when you

'Wich of the Week: Tofu and Chinese Broccoli

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:00:20 -0700

With all this talk about Chinese barbecue and dim-sum Olympics parties, I've had Chinese food on the brain. So on my last trip to the farmers market, I picked up some Chinese broccoli, a yummy in-season green that tastes like a cross between asparagus, broccoli, and bok choy. After making a tofu stir-fry, I refocused the remaining ingredients into an elegant vegetarian sandwich. I used wheat bread, because that's what I had on hand, but any sliced bread will do. I also had some garlicky homemade almond butter leftover from another recipe, but if you don't want to make your own, I recommend mixing crushed garlic into regular peanut butter or almond butter for an Asian-inspired spread. To get both recipes and see how I made this tofu treat,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Steak Salad-Stuffed Pockets

partysugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:45:31 -0700

This recipe gives the classic steak sandwich a healthy makeover. Broiled steak is tossed with a crunchy cucumber-romaine salad before being stuffed into a whole wheat pita. A simple dressing made with mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil adds a fresh moistness to the sandwich. For a vegetarian variation, substitute mushroom caps for the steak. A great on-the-go meal, these pitas are perfect for those nights when there isn't time to sit at the table. To learn how to make it,

'Wich of the Week: 'Ino's Pancetta, Lettuce, and Tomato

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:00:24 -0700

I've let Nancy Silverton's Sandwich Book languish on my desk for too long, so this weekend I finally decided to make a recipe from this famously excessive sandwich collection. (Stay tuned for a full cookbook review.) Since I was having friends over for a casual dinner, I avoided the more labor-intensive recipes in favor of a simple but delicious sandwich that would showcase the fresh tomatoes I bought that morning at the farmers market.

This PLT — pancetta, lettuce, and tomato — is a variation on the classic BLT (from New York's 'Ino) using Italian pancetta and arugula. Silverton's book is designed so that, if you choose, you can prepare each ingredient without shortcuts — for instance, braising artichokes rather than buying jarred ones or even making bread from scratch. Since the recipe called for it, I opted to make my own lemon aioli from Silverton's recipe. But despite my ambition, this dinner ended up being something of a disaster. To find out why,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:34 -0700

When planning a picnic, select dishes that taste better the next day. Look for recipes that are served cold or at room temperature, and that need time for the flavors to mix. For an afternoon at Waterworld USA, offer guests a delicious roasted shrimp and orzo salad. Flavored with scallions and fresh parsley, this salad is light but filling. A pressed sandwich stuffed with Italian ingredients like pesto and mozzarella is rustic and scrumptious. For a decadent treat, give each guest a take-out container full of homemade potato chips. To look at these picnic-perfect recipes,

Starbucks: Still Chewing on Breakfast Sandwiches

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:00:57 -0700

In a last-minute change of heart, Starbucks has decided to keep its breakfast sandwiches on the menu. Last January the coffee giant announced that it would be pulling all of its breakfast sandwiches from stores this September. The reason? Their pungent smell interfered with the in-store coffee aroma. Now, Starbucks says it plans to modify the sandwich recipe, swapping the cheese and using less butter:

We are not reversing our decision to replace the breakfast sandwiches, but rather we are continuing to evolve our food offerings. We have found small ingredient changes that address the aroma issues of our current breakfast sandwiches, and have implemented these already.

This change comes in light of Starbucks's many Wall Street woes, which include closing 600 stores and trying to gain smoothie market share. No doubt the website that's petitioning to keep the hot breakfast item is ecstatic about the development. What are your thoughts?

Source

'Wich of the Week: Sloppy Jose

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:50 -0700

Food often tastes better on camping trips; it takes so much effort to make that I'm usually starving by the time I eat. Because I first tried Trader Joe's carnitas while roughing it, I had to revisit this tasty pork at home. Dare I say, it was better than I remembered. The fully cooked Mexican-style pork is easy to prepare — warmed in a saucepan with TJ's red mole sauce — but I wanted to expand its horizons.Naturally, I thought, "sandwich!" and imagined piling the pork onto soft bread with avocado, salsa, and cheese. Then I realized that the smoky, sweet flavor of the carnitas and mole reminds me of Sloppy Joes. Thus, the Sloppy Jose was born. To see how it came together,

8 Great, Brown Bag-able Lunches

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:30:34 -0700

The country's current economic downturn has many of you ditching restaurant lunches in favor of a brown bag from home. That's a good thing — but just because you're trying to save a few bucks doesn't mean you have to punish yourself with the same stale sandwich every day. Here are some meal ideas that you can pull together in as little time as it takes to wait in the lunch line.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Greek Melt

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:45:56 -0700

Filled with Greek flavors, this delicious dinner is part salad, part pizza. A crisp pita is topped with sautéed spinach and roasted tomatoes. A creamy yogurt feta sauce, scented with fresh lemon juice, finishes off the open-faced dish.

Light yet hearty, this vegetarian meal is perfect for a hot night. Get the simple recipe when you

'Wich of the Week: Pastrami Reuben

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:25 -0700

Not only is the Reuben one of my favorite sandwiches, but it's also sort of magical, since it takes three ingredients I'm not wild about (corned beef, rye bread, and thousand island dressing) and turns them into deliciousness. But since I rarely eat thousand island dressing, it ends up spoiling every time I buy it to make Reubens. So to meet my latest craving for this classic sandwich, I altered the recipe slightly, replacing the dressing with spicy mustard and the corned beef with pastrami.Pastrami is actually a variation on corned beef that involves smoking the meat. It's typically paired with mustard so this Reuben borrows flavors from two familiar sandwiches. Though I couldn't give up the sweet thousand island dressing forever, I must admit that this saltier Reuben was quite delectable. To get the recipe,

Starbucks to Do Smoothies, Subway to Do Coffee

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:15:47 -0700

With reality stars posing as fashion designers and singers turning into restaurateurs, it's no surprise that Starbucks and Subway would expand into something other than caffeinated beverages and sandwiches. Tomorrow Starbucks is scheduled to launch a new smoothie line. Called Vivanno Nourishing Blends, the smoothies come in two flavors: Orange Mango Banana and Chocolate Banana.

Scrambling to increase sales with innovative new products like smoothies, Starbucks has reason to worry: Subway is testing out a cafe concept. The Subway cafes will be larger than the existing sandwich shops with comfortable seating, wi-fi, espresso drinks, gelatos, and paninis. Subway isn't the first fast-food chain to expand into coffee, both McDonalds and Burger King have been heavily promoting coffee drinks.

What do you think about these announcements? Will you try a Starbucks smoothie or Subway coffee?

Source and Source

'Wich of the Week: Grilled Chicken and Mozzarella Panini

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:00:05 -0700

When it comes to sandwiches — or anything, really — it's hard to go wrong with melted cheese and tomato. Add a few leaves of fresh arugula and chicken cooked to moist perfection on an outdoor grill, and you've got a hot sandwich that showcases the best flavors of the warm months.

I enjoyed this melted panini on a recent weekend away with friends, where the house we rented handily had a panini maker. Better yet, it had a charcoal grill (which I do not have), so I got the rare treat of a sandwich made with chicken grilled fresh over charcoal. Even on a hot day, the juicy meat combined with fresh seasonal tomatoes tasted deliciously like Summer. However, if you don't own a grill or a panini maker, you can still make this whole sammie on the stove, so to get the recipe,

Would You Eat This Fried Egg and Fries Sandwich?

YumSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:15:11 -0700

I'm a fan of breakfast sandwiches, even big ones, but this overstuffed fried egg and french fry creation from Pittsburgh's famed Primanti Bros. might be too huge for me to handle. Still, I'd be willing to try! Would you undertake this slaw- and tomato-adorned egg sandwich? Photo by Ben Ostrowsky

Would You Eat This Fried Egg and Fries Sandwich?

Yes! That looks decadent and delicious.

Maybe, under the right circumstances.

No, that just looks too over-the-top for me.

I would if it weren't for the ____________. (Fill in the blank below.)

Other — Please share!

Yummy Links: From Watermelon Salad to Vending Machine Pizza

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:00:38 -0700

Watermelon, goat cheese, greens, and balsamic vinegar come together to make the Summer's prettiest salad. — The Recipe Girl
Interested in trying a new wine? Here are 25 bottles under $25 that are worth sipping now. — Forbes
Meet the world's largest six pack of beer. — So Good
Learn how to use leftovers as ingredients in delicious new dishes.— iVillage
An Arnold Palmer is refreshing on a hot Summer day. — Baking Bites
Picnic perfect: Barefoot Contessa's Caesar Salad Club Sandwich. — Noble Pig
Lighten up with these five delicious treats that are under 250 calories. — FitSugar
Would you purchase piping hot pizza from a vending machine? — Slashfood

Source

Monday's Leftovers: Italian Sausage Heroes

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:45:27 -0700

Use leftover pizza toppings to make a traditional sausage hero. With its toasty bread, spicy sausages, and soft veggies this classic sandwich is perfect on a warm summer night.

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausages and add crumbly goat cheese. To make a meal, serve the sandwich with a cold beer and a green salad.

To check out the recipe,

'Wich of the Week: Mediterranean "PB&J"

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:00:20 -0700

When I opened my fridge the other day and saw fig preserves and almond butter, I thought, "that's like the Mediterranean equivalent of peanut butter and jelly!" Remembering that I also had a block of feta cheese, I took that glimmer of an idea and came up with something weirder: a Mediterranean-inspired marriage of a PB&J and a grilled cheese. I spread the fig jelly and almond butter on apple-walnut bread (though any sweet bread, such as cinnamon raisin, would do). Then, I added some crumbled feta and grilled it in a skillet coated with olive oil. I figured the flavor combination would either be totally gross or totally good, and thankfully, it was the latter. This 'Wich of the Week is at once creamy, nutty, salty, and sweet. If that sounds like your sort of sandwich, check out the recipe and more photos when you