The Triple Decker

I am not thinking this picture is showing off the three slices of bread, but that is what this Triple Decker sandwich has. Does it make a difference? I say, YES!

I used Pepperidge Farm Very Thin 100% whole wheat. If I were packing lunch for my boys, I would probably do a regular bread, but since this sandwich was for my girls, I went very thin.

The Triple Decker

3 slices of bread

(and then you choose), I used:

sliced turkey

cheese

turkey bacon

lettuce

tomato

mayo

mustard

Layer it up, wrap it up, and pack it! (because you don't really need directions on how to put it together, do you?)

Enjoy!

Crustables

Have you seen the Uncrustables in the freezer section at your grocery store and thought, 'By golly, that's just a PB&J without the crust...frozen...' and it's true, that is all it is. No secret recipe there.

But I say, don't waist any part of the sandwich, leave the crust on! Removing the crust can leave the child still hungry after lunch.

Making and freezing a PB& J is a wonderful idea though. I like to come home on grocery shopping day and use a whole loaf of bread to make PB&J's to stick in the freezer. It's wonderful to know that you have sandwiches already made for those days that you just don't have time, just snag from the freezer and toss into the lunch box. Of course, making your own (as opposed to buying Uncrustables) saves money and even better, you have the wheat or white option and can pick your own jelly; We always use an all fruit jelly but even better, I can choose raspberry, black cherry, etc. I don't think you get those options using the pre-made kind.

Oh, I just must write it out in recipe form. :)

Crustables

• Make a PB&J
• Place in ziplock sandwich bag
• Freeze

Viola!

SO: Grilled Tomato, Basil and Cheese Sandwich

Today I am starting a new section of recipes, SO stands for School's Out.

When school is out, lunch still must be made, but there are more options. Case and point: Grilled Cheese. But this isn't your ordinary Grilled Cheese, this tastes garden fresh. Inspired by one of my favorite sandwiches on Lorinda's Lunch Box Lowdown that was inspired by one of my favorite salads, the Caprese Salad- The Grilled Tomato Basil and Cheese Sandwich.

Grilled Tomato Basil and Cheese Sandwich

2 slices of whole wheat bread

2 slices of mozzarella cheese

2-3 slices of tomato

3-4  chiffonade, basil leaves

cooking spray

Spray griddle, add slice of bread, then cheese, tomato and basil. Top with other slice of cheese. Toast until bread is golden brown, then flip sandwich. Toast other side. Enjoy warm off the griddle!

Cheesy Tuna Sandwich

Tuna is a great source of the infamous OMEGA 3. Omega 3 can help with a list of things. As a matter of fact, here is a list from this site.

* They can help to increase your energy level.

* Might prevent certain types of cancer

* Improve your sleep

* Reduce inflammation

* Improve muscle recovery from trauma

* Help with arthritis.

* Provide lubrication to the skin, arteries, veins and intestinal tract.

* Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

* Help to improve concentration

* Benefit for diseases like: Alzheimer’s, depression and many other cognitively impaired situations.

* Reduces high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.

* Might improve the healing capability for various health problems.

* Can improve constipation.

In other words, tuna fish sandwiches are a great lunch box choice. Here is a tuna fish sandwich recipe that's a little different from the basic. Switching things up a bit is always fun and keeps things from being ho-hum.

 Cheesy Tuna Sandwich

makes 2-3 sandwiches, depending

•  2 5oz. cans of tuna, in water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I use colby jack)
• 2 heaping Tablespoons of mayo (I used light)
• bread
• Spinach (optional)

In a bowl, add drained tuna, cheese, mayo and salt and pepper. Mix well. Can be used on almost any bread choice or even placed in small container with lid and sent to school with crackers.   

Bacon & Boiled Egg Sandwich

This sandwich makes me speechless. I don't know what to say other than, bacon and boiled egg? It had to be done.

Bacon & Boiled Egg Sandwich

makes 1

• 2 boiled eggs (or 1 egg plus 1 egg white)
• 2 t. mayo (I always use light)
• 1/4 t. bacon salt
• 1 T. bacon crumbles (you choose- turkey bacon, veggie bacon or regular)
• 2 slices bread

Crumble eggs with a fork and add mayo, bacon salt and bacon. Place between 2 slices of bread.

Be prepared for your kids to come home and say, "My friend was wondering if you would make them a sandwich tomorrow."

It really happens. Especially after a sandwich like this.

Would you like to join me in trying homemade dyes for your Easter Eggs this year? Click HERE.

Would you like to know which egg boiling trick I have had the most success with? Click HERE.



Almost Famous Sandwich

I am a huge fan of Elvis (huge!) and I am certain it stems from the sweet memories of hearing my dad happily sing Elvis songs while riding in the car with him. Things just felt good and right in the world when my dad was singing Blue Suede Shoes.

Do you know what else is good and right? Elvis sandwiches. Are we all familiar with the Elvis Sandwich? Peanut butter, banana, grilled with butter? Oh so warm and deliciously naughty and completely inappropriate for the lunch box.

This sandwich isn't quite as good as the real deal (obviously) but it's almost as good as the famous Elvis Sandwich, which is why it's appropriately called Almost Famous. I've been experimenting with Banana Jam recipes and I am still searching for the perfect one. (I want one without sugar because by golly if Polaner can make a fruit spread only using fruit, why can't I?) I have successfully tried this recipe using half the sugar (and it is good!) and plan to try this recipe next.

Almost Famous Sandwich

• peanut butter
• banana jam
• sandwich bread

Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, the banana jam on the other. Join the two and enjoy!

Pimiento Cheese Sandwich

Pimiento Cheese is a delicious southern sandwich that is perfect for a lunch box. It can be cut into triangles with the crusts removed for a finger food event or even grilled. It's the signature dish at The Masters Tournament. It is easy to make and it is oh so good!

Pimiento Cheese Sandwich

makes 4 cups of cheese spread

• 1 cup of mayo
• 1 4 oz. jar diced pimiento
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. finely diced red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 8 oz. block of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 8 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Stir mayo, pimiento, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and pepper in a bowl. Add cheese and mix. Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can be served on crackers, celery, with chips, but best served as a sandwich.

Deviled Ham Sandwich

This is a great post-Holiday lunch box idea. A regular ole ham sandwich with left over ham is great but why not try something a little different and devil the ham? Make this the night before so the flavors can mingle and be all the better.

Deviled Ham Sandwich

• 1 pound of ham
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 T maple syrup
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 T. paprika
• 1/2 onion, chopped finely

Zip ham through a processor until crumbly but not mush. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine well. Cover and store in the refrigerator over night. Put between two slices of bread (or could even be served with crackers). I add spinach to most meat sandwiches and it works great with this sandwhich as well.

Whipped PB&J

Whatever you do, do not think this is just an ordinary PB&J, and do not think that whipping makes no difference, because it does. It makes for a whole new sandwich. 

My middle schooler today informed me that when she was little, this sandwich was called Mom's Super Awesome Sandwich. (it's that good) I usually use Polaner's Simply Fruit in grape to get a more authentic PB&J taste but I was out this morning so I used Black Cherry. I would highly recommend trying this with peanut butter and grape jelly for your first go 'round but it will be delicious no matter what you use.

Whipped PB&J

• Nut Butter of choice (I use peanut butter for this one)
• Grape Jelly (or other favorite)

Place equal parts peanut butter and jelly in a bowl and use a spoon to whip. Spread on sandwich bread.