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View Full Version : Reviews: Two Good Sandwiches!


Jen
06-06-2001, 12:24 AM
I'm not really a sandwich person, but I've made two sandwiches over the past week that were both great!

First, the Greek Sandwich with Feta Vinaigrette (I think that's the name), from the Vegetarian section of the May issue. Wow, this was a fabulous sandwich! All the components blended together perfectly. I HATE soggy sandwiches, and although this was definitely "damp", it didn't really qualify as soggy since the sourdough bread just sopped up all the excess vinaigrette. I was really hesitant about putting this one together the night before (I was taking the leftovers for lunch), but if anything it was BETTER the next day! Definitely "damper", but the bread held up well. I will definitely be making this over and over. I'm also not a big olive fan, but the chopped Kalamata's are essential in this recipe.

Tonight, I made the Open-Faced Smoked Bell Pepper and Basil Sandwich with Goat Cheese Sauce (phew!) from June and it was also very good. I made a few changes to this recipe: I couldn't barbecue (long story), so I broiled the peppers and bread in the oven instead...because I couldn't use the wood chips, I sprinkled some liquid smoke over the peppers in the oven. It seemed to work - I got a very subtle smoky flavour without being overwhelming, but I think they would have had more flavour if I'd followed the recipe. I also added a splash of balsamic vinegar into the pepper-basil mixture before topping the bread. I had two "crostini" for dinner with a bowl of soup and it was a nice light summer dinner, very filling. I'd recommend this.

BTW, I served this sandwich with the Summer Tomato-and-Carrot Soup, also from June. This was excellent! I pureed it in the pot with my stick blender, so it was really easy, although it did take a while to peel and chop the tomatoes. Tons of flavour considering the small number of ingredients and work involved. I stirred the yogurt and tarragon right into the soup rather than putting them on top, but otherwise made this as directed. Yum!

valchemist
06-06-2001, 03:17 AM
Jen, thanks for the reviews. they were very helpful. I "missed" that Greek Sandwich recipe in the may issue. I went back and looked at it as the result of your review and I put it in my "recipes to try" folder in mastercook. I would definitely have to leave out the raw onion (can't stand raw onions). I was wondering if you think this would be good if I subbed baby spinach for arugala. Or does the arugala add a certain dimension that shouldn't be replaced? Thanks again for bringing this to my attention and for all three of your great reviews! -Valerie

Jen
06-08-2001, 09:53 PM
Sorry Valerie...there've been so many posts that I missed your question! I think it would definitely be worth trying with spinach, although it wouldn't have quite the bite to it. I did have trouble finding the arugula since my grocery store doesn't carry it (I got it at a trendy organic grocery chain we have here called Capers). But if you can't find it I'm sure the sandwich would still be good. I'm not much of a greens "expert", but maybe someone else can suggest either another substitute, or something that could be added to the spinach to give more of a bite? I know we have "Phoebe the Bean Queen"...do we have any "Green Queens" out there?!? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Jen

valchemist
06-09-2001, 05:36 AM
I know that emily is definitely one of our green queens. Actually, after I posted that question, Jen, I saw arugala in the grocery store and it looks like something I would want to try...

I have never tried arugala before but I know that it has a bit of a peppery/bitter bite to it. That is fine with me. The reason I asked about the substitution was that my husband doesn't like "weird" greens like fancy lettuces, mesclun, or any bitter greens really. Maybe I can convert him with this sandwich though. I can't wait to try it myself...I am planning to do so soon.

56grapeape
06-09-2001, 11:21 PM
hey! we too had that greek sandwhich the other day! it was ok, ive nevver had feta cheese before, and im not real big on cheese, and it was a little strong (i used a garlic& herb crumbled one). I also used regualr sliced black olives, and green leaf lettuce instead of arugula (couldnt find it). I also used french rolls instead of sourdough(not too big on that either).

they were ok, i may not be making them again though.

rachelle