Sandwich Spreads and Condiments

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The first sandwich to be introduced to America in 1840 was made with cold boiled ham, butter and an optional layer of mustard. Today mustard is the condiment of choice and butter is rarely used on a ham sandwich, or any other meat sandwich for that matter. Varieties of mustard are readily available in the grocery store from yellow to brown to spicy Dijon. Mustard can be sweet as is the case with honey or honey-raspberry flavors, or spiced up with the addition of hot sauce, barbeque sauce or jalapeno peppers. Cranberry mustard adds a special touch to turkey sandwiches while ale mustard can zest up a burger hot off the grill.

Mayonnaise is another sandwich spread that comes in several different varieties. While plain mayonnaise is by far the most popular, some people add caramelized onion, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic or cumin for a little extra zip. Mayonnaise is also used as a main ingredient in several other spreads commonly used on sandwiches. Combining it with sour cream, buttermilk, green onions and seasonings makes a cool ranch dressing that works well with ham, while adding pickled cucumbers and onions makes a great tartar sauce that tastes great on a fish sandwich. Mixing tomato sauce, ketchup, minced sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish and seasonings into a mayonnaise base is an easy way to make a quick Thousand Island dressing that goes great with roast beef or corned beef.

Other spreads include pesto sauce, hot sauce and cream cheese, although spreads are not the only way to dress up a sandwich. There are many vegetables that are commonly found on sandwiches. For a crisp, fresh addition look to romaine, iceberg or Boston lettuce, or bypass the lettuce and try spinach, watercress or salad greens. Tomatoes add color as well as an acidic taste that complements most sandwiches. Minced or sliced onions and green bell peppers can be used raw on cold sandwiches like Italian subs, or they can be sautéed and served warm on cooked sandwiches such as sausage subs. Light, healthy sandwiches often include ingredients like alfalfa sprouts, shredded carrots and cucumbers, while less health-conscious people can top their sandwiches with a few slices of applewood smoked bacon. The possibilities are endless, and ultimately each person must rely on his or her own taste to determine what ingredients should be used to make the perfect sandwich.

Check out our collection of the best traditional sandwich recipes plus dozens of sophisticated and unusual ideas for sandwiches. You are certain to a find the perfect sandwich recipe as the site includes separate sections for over a dozen types of sandwiches including appetizer, breakfast, burgers, chicken, fish, meat, sub, wraps, and Panini.

Article Source: Tom_Lingle / http://EzineArticles.com/6115108 / EzineArticles.com

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