With virtual school already in session it seems fitting to celebrate National Sandwich Month. All hail to the sandwich for providing nutritious and convenient meals to lunchboxes and office complexes everywhere. In its honor we’re paying homage to this hand-held anytime meal staple that has risen to new heights.
Once thought of as a lunchtime mainstay, the sandwich today reigns as a meal time go-to for breakfast, dinner, and midnight snacks as well. Make no mistake, everybody loves a good sandwich. So much so, that most Americans can say they eat a sandwich a day. Statistically, we eat over 300 million sandwiches daily. That’s mind-boggling since the current U.S. population in 2019 was 328.2 million.
Sandwiches come in many forms, shapes, sizes and endless filling possibilities. You can eat a sandwich for breakfast on a biscuit or waffle, for lunch wrapped in a tortilla, or grilled with chicken for dinner. And, on a mini-buttered bun with a beef patty specifically prepared for entertaining. But the possibilities are endless and only limited by one’s taste buds. So how did this culinary wonder become a permanent fixture in school lunchboxes?
History of the Sandwich—The Greatest Thing since Sliced Bread
By all accounts the accidental marriage of meat and bread is attributed to John Montague, 4th Earl of Sandwich. While it’s up for debate whether Montague is behind the invention of the sandwich, the legend remains intact. It seems that the British statesman’s affection for gambling was the culinary world’s fortune. His passion for the gaming tables far outweighed his desire to eat. Hesitant to get up during an all-night stint at the tables, he ordered a servant to bring him slices of bread and meat to satisfy his hunger pangs. Joining the two together and eating it with his hands created a phenomenon among his gaming opponents. The word spread. And, the rest is history. Well, sort of. There are claims that the sandwich has pre-dated roots in Jewish culture.
Sandwich Components
What constitutes a sandwich has been a great debate among scholars and even justices in the court system. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has laid out strict guidelines when it comes to its definition. According to the powers-that-be at the USDA, a sandwich needs to contain at least 35% cooked meat and no more than 50% bread. However, as we continue the need to push the culinary envelope that definition doesn’t hold up. Today, sandwiches are decked with multiple slices of bread with twice the meat and saucy condiments. Plus, by that very definition where does the veggie sandwich stand?
Popular Sandwich Varieties
- Grilled Cheese – There’s no surprise that the grilled cheese sandwich tops the list as the most eaten sandwich in America. This ultimate comfort food in all of its melted deliciousness is the perfect way to satisfy an appetite. For many it’s a guilty pleasure that you can eat anytime of the day. Elevated to gourmet status it has oodles of variations. For a purist approach, pair it with a bowl of creamy homemade tomato soup.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly – This classic sandwich has been feeding grade school kids since the early 1900s. In its simplest form it requires only three ingredients—bread, peanut butter and fruit preserves. Besides his legendary music, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s other claim to fame is the Elvis Sandwich. Presley shed limelight on the popular duo with a variation of the Fool’s Gold Loaf. It consists of white bread, peanut butter, a sliced banana and bacon. Then it’s fried in butter. Kids that have a palate for everything peanut butter can try these super yummy variations.
- Turkey Sandwiches – A turkey sandwich for lunch? Yes, please. While the meat is the star of the show in this sandwich, cheese is a must. Lettuce and tomato are other options. But adding bacon brings it to another level. Then, finish it with a slice of avocado. Pesto, cranberry sauce, mayo and guacamole are just a few condiments that make a turkey sandwich go for ordinary to extraordinary.
- The BLT – We’re assuming this diner staple needs no introduction. Slices of bread spread with mayo then heaped with bacon, lettuce and tomato is no doubt a taste sensation experience. However, there’s more than one way to use this trio like in a salad, on a pizza, and between waffles. Or, just go for the classic.
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Check out Travisso’s current list of move-in ready available homes today. Specifically built for today’s busy lifestyles they offer open concept floor plans, media and game rooms, and large gourmet kitchens and gathering areas that make entertaining super easy. In addition, Travisso offers gorgeous Texas Hill Country views, a family-friendly neighborhood and endless recreational possibilities for the entire family. For additional information call 512-243-8583.
