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The Earl of Sandwich

What is it that makes a sandwich so popular?  Where did the sandwich originate from?  And really, who DOESN'T LOVE a sandwich?  




Everyone has a favorite sandwich.  I have two that are tied for my "go to"... one is a Toasted Western Sandwich (I've yet to find this on any American menu's as I believe it's a Canadian creation) and two, is my infamous "11PM on Thanksgiving night turkey on focaccia sandwich"...it's more than a sandwich at this point... it's practically a religion. But before we talk about how to make those, let's first, let's go back and find the origin of the "sandwich"... 

Once upon a time, the 4th Earl of Sandwich was on an all night gambling binge and requested something to eat from his cook. This meal required no utensils and could be eaten with one hand, leaving the other free to continue the game. It was sliced meat between two pieces of toast.  Sadly, the name of real inventor of the sandwich (be it inventive cook or the creative consumer) was not recorded for posterity.




As many different sandwich combinations there are on the planet, well, there are just as many different types of bread... from the traditional white bread...




...to a nice toasted rye...





... a hamburger can be found on most menus under "sandwich"...


...then there are the fancy breads... or as they call them in the foo-fooey Gourmet marketing retail world, "Artisan Breads"...


Now don't get me wrong, I love a nice rosemary garlic bread but it doesn't need to cost $12.50 for a loaf the size of your palm...seriously.



Then there's my favorite "I need to make bread... focaccia is easy!" bread...




...and really, not much makes better Brie stuffed French Toast sandwiches than good, ol' egg bread... deeeeeeeeeeelish!



For those of you who aren't familiar with the "Toasted Western Sandwich", try this out for breakfast over the long Memorial Day weekend and let me know what you think!

You'll need:


  • 2 tablespoons red peppers, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1/4 cup ham, cubed
  • 1/4 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 slices bread, toasted and buttered
  • 1 teaspoon (or as much as you like) ketcup

    • How to do it:


  • Saute peppers and onions in butter until tender.
  • Add ham; heat through.
  • Beat eggs, and seasonings together.
  • Add cheese.
  • Pour over ham mixture.
  • Cook on low heat until almost set, lifting edges to let uncooked portion run underneath.
  • Turn over and cook other side.
  • Spread your desired amount of ketchup on buttered toast.
  • Turn egg onto prepared toast and viola!  SANDWICH!



    Now, here's the one you have been waiting for... I know it's a off-season but this sandwich, once you have made it that first time, it WILL be your go to comfort sandwich...  I give you, the  11PM on a Thanksgiving Night Turkey on Focaccia Sandwich.  (The husband waits, patiently for 11PM on Thanksgiving Night!)

    You'll need:

    • 1/3  cup pesto
    • 1/3 cup hot sweet mustard
    • 1/4 cup cranberry chutney
    • 4   squares of focaccia, about 4" square and 1/2 inch thick 
    • 8  large basil leaves
    • 8 slices of Swiss cheese
    • 1/2  lb sliced oven roasted turkey breast
    • 1/2  cup chopped drained roasted red bell peppers (from jar packed with olive oil)

    • How to do it:


    Spread pesto on one side of each focaccia square and the mustard on another square. 

    • Layer basil leaves, chutney, turkey and bell peppers on 2 squares of focaccia. Top with the Swiss cheese and remaining 2 squares of focaccia.  If you like (and I do...) put the sandwiches under the broiler, or heck, a toaster oven works fine too, until the cheese is melted.  DEEEEEEEEEELISH!



  • Hopefully, filled with a little more knowledge about the "sandwich", this blog will help you choose your lunch today!

    Thanks for reading!










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