Gourmet Brown Bagging Economics

June 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Trying a new condiment flavor or different style bread, adding loads of fresh seasonal vegetables herbs and fruits, or a sprinkling of nuts, can immediately upscale the most mundane sandwich without breaking the bank.  These ideas will no doubt inspire other creative combinations.

ROAST BEEF, JARLSBERG & ARUGULA ON SOURDOUGH
Serves 4


4 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise mixed with 1 teaspoon honey, cherry chutney or preserves
8 slices sourdough or sourdough rye bread
8 thin slices roast beef
8 thin slices Jarlsberg cheese
Arugula, watercress or other favorite green leaf lettuce

Divide mayonnaise mix, roast beef, cheese and greens between 4 bread slices; top with remaining bread.


SMOKY PORTUGUESE PORK ROLLS
Serves 4

3 tablespoons favorite barbecue sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise (regular or low fat)
1 – 3 teaspoons minced, canned chipotle chiles in adobo (this can get very HOT, so taste along the way, for preference)
1/2 cup washed, dried, finely chopped cilantro leaves
4 fresh Portuguese or Kaiser rolls, halved
8 thin slices roast pork (or lean ham)
8 thin slices Gran Maestre Manchego cheese (use a cheese plane to slice)
Green leaf or Iceberg lettuce

Mix together first 4 ingredients to make a sauce; spread on each roll half.  Divide pork and cheese between each roll.  Top with lettuce.  Top each sandwich with remaining half of roll (spread on the inside).



CRUNCHY APPLE AVOCADO ALMOND WRAP
Serves 1

1 9- or 10-inch tortilla or vegetable wrap
1 cup finely shredded lettuce
½ small apple or jicama, cut julienne (stick) style
½ small ripe avocado, thinly sliced
¼ cup alfalfa sprouts
2 ounces crumbled fresh goat cheese (Woolwich Chevrai, a soft unripened variety)
1 ounce sliced almonds

Top tortilla with lettuce, apple, avocado and sprouts; crumble goat cheese and thin sliced almonds overall.  Starting from one end, tightly roll up wrap; cut in half.  Makes 1 wrap.  For extra protein, add thinly sliced grilled chicken.

OTHER IDEAS:

•   Line whole wheat (or gluten-free for those who are sensitive) pita with dark green lettuce and thin sliced premium aged Gouda, like Old Amsterdam.  Stuff with mixture of diced celery, apple or pear.  Add a touch of pesto or raspberry vinaigrette.

•   Combine low fat mayo with cranberry sauce; spread on whole wheat Lavash flatbread.  Layer with baby spinach, thin sliced avocado, roasted turkey, pecans and goat brie (Woolwich Dairy variety).

•   Spread low fat Caesar dressing on large tortilla.  Layer with Romaine, strips of grilled chicken breast, bacon bits and a few shavings of Parmesan.

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