Revisited: The #UltimateSandwich

Revisited: Because I first conceptualized this sandwich during the summer months, I must admit that I’ve always considered it a seasonal sammy. Not true! Short on inspiration for dinner last night, I assembled the sandwich and served it with a simple tomato soup. It was beyond delicious and perfect for a weeknight meal. Hope y’all revisit it too!

Original Post…

It’s a well known fact that I’m a sandwich junkie. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – just throw me two slices of bread and I’ll work my magic. There’s just something so comforting about eating fresh, yummy foods with your hands – uh oh, looks like a sandwich craving is coming on!

When I first heard about Black & Decker’s Ultimate Sandwich Contest, I crossed both my fingers and toes that I’d be selected as a contestant. Well, thanks to the awesome folks at Black & Decker and Mom Central Canada, I’m 1 of 20 Canadian bloggers participating in the first ever Ultimate Sandwich Contest.

Now before I get to my delicious creation, let’s talk about the hardware that made it possible – Black & Decker’s Convection Countertop Oven. Available at Wal-Mart in August 2011, the oven has tons of features to make cooking, broiling, baking, toasting and warming a snap! And, with it’s large capacity interior, you can make casseroles, cakes – even 9″ pizzas. Did I forget something? Oh yes: You can make scrumptious sandwiches too!

My inspiration for this sandwich was taken from a vacation to Miami Beach, Florida years ago. After spending most of the day lounging by the water, my girlfriends and I decided to break for a late lunch. There was a little cafe on the strip that made fresh salads (and, not that it mattered, but the waiters were pretty hot too), so we took a table and ordered light fare. I enjoyed a salad that incorporated chicken, tart green apple and a sweet honey mustard dressing, all over a bed of arugula – and an idea was born.

I started thinking about how I could turn this simple, delicious salad into a sandwich.

Unfortunately, once we touched back down in Toronto, I never did follow through with the transformation. Almost 10 years later, I’m making good on it; here is my official entry into the Ultimate Sandwich Contest – and my tribute to Miami Beach, circa 2002!

Why You’ll Love It: All of the flavours and textures are perfectly complementary to one another and work together to create a truly unique and delicious sandwich. The nutty, creamy brie pairs wonderfully with tart, crisp apple and punchy, peppery arugula. The turkey lends substance to the sandwich, and is rounded out with a spicy, sweet dressing on softly toasted bread. Yum!

THE MIAMI (Serves 2)

2 ciabatta buns
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
8 slices Maple Leaf Natural Selections oven roasted chicken breast
4 slices Canadian brie cheese
8 slices green apple (about 1/8 inch thick)
handful baby arugula

(Fun fact: This sandwich offers something from EVERY food group: grains, meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. And even better – if you’ve got all the ingredients on hand, prep time is about 2 minutes.)

Cut buns in half and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and honey until smooth. Spread the inside of the bun halves generously with the mixture. Layer the chicken breast on top (I like to use the new all-natural, preservative-free deli meats; they’re a great healthier option and taste delish!) and follow up with the sliced brie on top.

Place bun halves in your Black & Decker Convection Countertop Oven and TOAST for 5 minutes at 350°F.