sandwich

I ate many variations of this panini in Italy, but when it came time to create comfort sandwiches in my own kitchen, I always returned to the classic combination of prosciutto and fontina cheese. Sometimes I would add peppery arugula to give it some bite.

This fragrant, chewy bread is moist and somewhat addictive. Last year, my older son asked me to buy some flax seeds for his morning oatmeal -- and it didn’t take long to realize that it adds a nice texture and a slightly nutty taste to the breads I usually make. This recipe starts with my favorite mashed potato recipe, and uses the potato water to good advantage.

Ok, for those put off by the weird name, don't be afraid, it's basically just cheese on toast. This is a very traditional British dish which we frequently ate when I was growing up - it's a really quick, easy and delicious snack to rustle up in no time.

One of the greatest traditional food items to come out of New Orleans is the muffaletta sandwich. Central Grocery is renowned for theirs, but you can also taste a fine one on the café menu at Napoleon House on Chartres in the French Quarter.

I came up with this sandwich because I love prosciutto and fruit together. They truly complement each other beautifully, as evidenced by the prosciutto e melone primi piatti on so many Italian restaurants' summer menus.

So, my favorite way to eat raspberries is standing in a raspberry bush and popping them straight into my mouth. But, I started thinking about other ways I would like to eat raspberries, ways I haven't even tried yet, and what popped into my mind was raspberry ice cream sandwiches, made with lemon coconut shortbread.

A Tomato Sandwich Worthy of a Little Bacon

Spicy beef, tangy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and earthy arugula all combined in this flavorful burger. This dish is perfect for grilling by the pool, or, if you're like me and don't have a yard (or a grill for that matter), it can be easily accomplished on the stovetop with a cast iron skillet.

This is one of my favorite ways to have steak: spice rubbed steak on toast with Gorgonzola cheese. The garlic chips contribute texture and a great flavor combo. I've done this with various cuts of beef, and like NY strip steak that's got some good fat marbling or rib-eye steak the best.

I make challah almost every week. After trying about 5 other recipes, I've returned to my mother's tried-and-true version. (Should've known—mom's always right!) At this point, the recipe is so familiar I practically have it memorized. The original recipe calls for white bread flour, but Ima and I have both transitioned to half white, half King Arthur's White Whole Wheat.