French Sandwiches? Ooh la la!

Did you know that French people ate more than 1 billion sandwiches last year? A jump from just 50 million only two years ago. Indeed, the nations tastes are changing and it's a wonderful thing.

Traditionally, the French have enjoyed a sit-down lunch at a local brasserie. But in 2008, restaurants and cafes saw an increase in bankruptcies of more than 26%.

A reflection of the our global economic slump perhaps, or have they only just awoken to the beauty that is the Sandwich?

What's more, Paris will host the "European Sandwich & Snack Show" next month, and chefs from around the world will converge upon the city to compete for the

2009 "Sandwich World Cup". An award the French have not yet won over the past 6 years.

In 2008, more than 7000 culinary professionals attended and/or participated in show.

I am on the edge of my seat about the turn-out this year. Please, to come and see me when you are there. We'll have a sandwich together, mon ami.

Indeed, the sandwich is on the rise in popularity, and who better than the French to bring it to a state of perfection, no?

As we speak, $5.1 billion worth of sandwiches sell per year in France, with sandwich bars offering fillings such as foie gras w/onion confit on a baguette. Ooh la la!

Magnificent, oui?

Love, Sam

PBJ Face !!

Yes .. It is difficult to beat the all-time-classic

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich!
A simple sandwich, yet one has many choices here. Do you prefer chunky peanut butter? Smooth? Should you opt for the pre-mixed PBJ combination, or will you choose another nutty spread altogether? Once your buttery spread is decided upon, you have hundreds of choices on the Jelly front as well. Preserves? Jam? Jelly?, etc... and then the bread!

No matter how you slice it mes amis, this is a delightfully delicious sandwich that shall always be a part of the Great American luncheon menu for you and your little ones to enjoy. Especially when it is lovingly assembled by your favorite Auntie, oui?

American Politics over Hamburger Sandwich

Did you see the article in The Washington Post this morning about President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden taking a burger break?

You'll see it as front page news in the Style section complete with photos. Ray's Hell Burger Restaurant is sure to be thrilled with all the free press they're recieving.

The grapevine informs me however that Ray's doesn't serve French Fries!

Each to his own, Mon Ami

Sam

Monsieur les DOM DeLuise

Et peux je dire un sincère au revoir à mon ami dans M. les DOM DeLuise de nourriture. Il est allé à la grande cuisine dans le ciel où il fera sans doute les créations merveilleuses de sandwich pour jamais plus. Jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrions encore mon ami. Au revoir pour maintenant.

Avec amour, Le gourou de Sandwich.

English Translation:

And may I say a heartfelt goodbye to my friend-in-food Mr. Dom DeLuise. He has gone to the big kitchen in the sky where he will no doubt be making heavenly sandwich creations for ever more. Until we meet again my friend. Goodbye for now.

With love,
The Sandwich Guru

Grilled Jarlsberg Cheese Sandwich

The story of Jarlsberg is the tale of the cheese that almost wasn't. In the 1830s, Swiss cheese makers came to Norway to show Norwegian dairies how to make their classically nutty, sweet, holed cheeses. The Swiss style cheese became very popular, and was produced in large volume for several years before disappearing from the market altogether.

In the 1950s, scientists at the Agricultural University of Norway became curious about the cheese and attempted to recreate it, releasing Jarlsberg in 1956 and exporting the cheese in 1961. The cheese is named for the county in Norway where it was originally made in the 1830s.

Grilled (Jarlsberg) Cheese Sandwich

From Sunset magazine
About 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 slices firm white bread

4 to 6 ounces Jarlsberg cheese, thinly sliced
Spread 1 side of bread slices with butter.
Mound cheese on unbuttered side of 2 slices.

Set bread, buttered side up, on cheese.
Place sandwiches in frying pan and cook, covered, on medium-low heat until cheese is soft and bread is browned, about 12 minutes total; turn sandwiches once.
Remove from pan, cut in half diagonally, and serve hot.

voilà

Which Wich?

Look! So mouth-watering you just can't choose one!