RECIPE MUFFALATTA OLIVE SALAD SANDWICH

Ingredients

Salad:

4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 c. chopped green stuffed olives
1 c. chopped oil cured black olives, (pitted)
4-5 pepperoncini, minced
1/2 c. roasted red peppers, chunks
1 c. olive oil
3 tbsp. fresh parsley
large pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. each oregano and basil
2 tbsp. white wine or balsamic vinegar

Sandwich:

1 large round loaf bread
1/3 lb. salami, thinly sliced
1/2 lb. Provolone, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced in circles
1/2 lb. Havarti cheese, thinly sliced
1/3 c. Prosciutto or Capicola ham, thinly sliced

 preparation

Combine ingredients for salad and allow to stand overnight so that flavors can mingle.

Slice the bread in half, slicing off the top portion (like a cap) and scoop out some of the center of loaf. Drizzle oil from salad on both top and bottom halves, using a good deal of the mixture for the bottom half.

Layer the olive salad, cold cuts, cheeses, and layer again until all ingredients are used. Top with bread top (cap). Slice into 6 wedges.

Variations: Thinly sliced pancetta may be sautéed and used in addition to other cold cuts.

A unique muffalatta-like calzone can be made by using home-made bread dough . Add 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds and 1/2 teaspoon each oregano, basil, and rosemary to the dough.

When preparing the salad, use 1/2 cup less olive oil.

Roll out to a 14x9 inch rectangle, brush with olive oil, layer on the salad and cold cut ingredients, sprinkle with fresh mozzarella and chunks of ricotta cheese, roll up and pinch closed. Allow dough to rise until nearly doubled and bake until golden. Don't forget to cut a vent hole in the dough to allow steam to escape.

This recipe is a nice take-along for picnics and Summer day trips.

RECIPE HOT ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES

Ingredients

1 lb. thinly sliced roast beef
1 can beef broth
1 whole onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small can sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons Wondra flour
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper

 preparation

In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth to a boil. Add onion and garlic powder, ketchup, minced garlic and sliced onion.

When broth comes to a rolling boil, drop in the separated sliced roast beef and remove immediately from heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove roast beef from broth after 2-3 minutes. Return broth to stove on high setting and sprinkle Wondra flour over surface, stirring briskly to avoid lumps.

Simmer over medium heat 5 minutes. At the last minute, drain the sliced mushrooms and add. Pour over roast beef on white bread or buttered and toasted buns or bulkie rolls. Top with a thin slices of tomato or a few lettuce leaves , if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve.

 

RECIPE CHICKEN SALSA SANDWICH GRILL

Ingredients 

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup salsa
3 whole garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
4 large lettuce leaves
seasoned salt
pepper
a few drops fresh lemon juice (optional)

preparation

In a skillet, saute chicken with garlic cloves for 5-7 minutes on each side until chicken is white and opaque or until done (165°F). Turn garlic cloves until both sides achieve a roasted appearance, then crush them into the oil using a fork. Remove if the cloves begin to brown, as this will make the oil bitter.

Meanwhile, brush hamburger buns lightly with a few drops of olive oil (or melted butter if preferred) and broil or toast until lightly golden on the inside.

Remove skillet from heat. Slice each chicken breast into 3 or 4 pieces and divide evenly onto toasted buns. Sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt and pepper, and a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice, if desired.

Top with salsa and shredded cheese; run under broiler just until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.

Variation: This can be prepared on the outdoor grill. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil into which the garlic cloves have been pressed for 30 minutes before grilling chicken over hot coals.

Makes 4 Servings.

 

The Swiss Mushroom Melt Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 slices french bread
• ¾ cup mushrooms
• Butter
• Thyme
• Salt & Pepper
• Garlic powder
• ¼ cup beef stock
• White wine vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup grated swiss cheese

preparation

1. Slice large mushrooms in half, leave the rest whole.
2. Saute mushrooms in a pan on low-medium heat with 1-2 tbsp butter.
3. Once mushrooms have nearly finished sauteing, give a light sprinkle of thyme, sprinkle some garlic powder, and salt & pepper to taste. Stir spices in.
4. Pour in beef stock and white wine vinegar (could also use red wine vinegar, or wine if it’s handy!).
5. Add some Worcestershire sauce (about 4-5 drops, more if you like).
6. Cook mushrooms until stock has reduced and thickened.
7. Now for the sandwich!
8. Butter all sides of your bread.
9. Place layer of grated Swiss cheese on bread.
10. Top with mushrooms.
11. Add another layer of Swiss Cheese and top with bread.
12. In a pan on medium heat (lower heat if your bread is browning, but cheese isn’t melting enough), cook grilled cheese until golden brown and cheese is melted.
13. Dig in!