Hot, and Ready To Go Sandwiches

Who doesn't love a sandwich? The sandwich is one of the oldest and most common convenience foods throughout the world. Stuffed with meat, cheese, vegetables, all stuffed between numerous types of bread. It's no wonder they are one of the world's most popular food items. In Australia the are called "sangas", Londoners call them "sarnies", "roujiamo" are the Chinese versions, and in the U.S. they can be called "hoagies", "subs", or "grinders", depending on the region. Sandwiches can be served hot or cold, I prefer the hot category to maximize the flavor. These are 5 of my favorite breaded creations.

Grilled ham and cheese is one of the most popular grilled sandwiches. Its history goes back to the 18th century originating in England. I grew up on them, but I really preferred my mom's version of this old classic. She started with a large loaf of foil-packaged French bread and sliced it in half lengthwise, then spread each half with softened butter. Layers of sliced ham and American cheese were added next. The top layer capped it off and it was stuffed back in the foil packaging. The loaf was then baked for ½ an hour, removed from the package and baked 10 more minutes. The result was crispy, chewy, salty, gooey, and great with Lay's potato chips.

The meatball sub is very popular along the east coast, especially in New York City. The sub is a relative newcomer to sandwich shop or deli menus, originating in the early 1900s. It has very simple ingredients but the key to an incredible sub are the 2 main components great meatballs and a zesty marinara sauce. I only use San Marzano canned plum tomatoes for my sauce. Saute 2 cloves of garlic in olive oil and add the hand-crushed tomatoes. Next, season with a tsp. each of salt and chili flakes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. Place heated meatballs on a Provolone cheese lined Italian loaf, top with sauce and serve.

The Chicago Dog, to most people, isn't considered a sandwich. In my opinion, if it's served between bread, it's a sandwich. This culinary masterpiece originated in Chicago in the early 1900s and has become the dog of choice before, during, and after Cubs games. To build this tubular behemoth, start with a steamed poppy seed bun topped with a boiled Vienna beef frank. Slather with mustard, diced onions, bright green relish, sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, and sprinkle with celery salt. Top it all off with a couple of sport peppers and course… never add ketchup. Most vendors post signs saying don't ask because we don't have it.

The cheesesteak or the Philly cheesesteak, as it's known to proud Philadelphians, is another hot sandwich with simple ingredients. Like the meatball sub, the key to a great one is the ingredients. The best sandwich shops use thinly sliced rib-eye for their beef. The Olivieri brothers are the 2 men holding bragging rights to its creation in 1930. An oiled flat top grill is a must to make a cheesesteak sandwich. Add diced onions and several slices of meat to the grill. Flip the meat and cover it with a sliced Amoroso loaf to steam it. Remove the sandwich and top with American cheese, cheese-wiz, or provolone.

The Reuben sandwich is by far my favorite hot sandwich. Whenever I travel to New York I check with the concierge to find the nearest deli serving the best Reuben. Although it is synonymous with Manhattan the first one was served at The Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. The flavors and textures are without equal, crispy, tangy, salty, meaty, and creamy. To create your own toast rye bread, sliced corned beef topped with Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut separately on a flat grill. Once heated through, place the meat and cheese on toasted rye, topped with the kraut and smother with Russian, not 1000 Island dressing.

Creating the food-bearing his name, The Earl of Sandwich in the early 1700s ordered his servants to cram meat between 2 slices of bread while he played cards. It is believed he spent countless, non-stop hours playing every day and eating wasn't going to slow him down. This holds up even today and is the main reason why the sandwich is one of the world's most popular foods. Perfect for people on the go.