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Homemade Fast-Food? Become A Sandwich Artist!

Colleen Sowa's Grilled Cheese Burger

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a good old-fashioned sandwich. They’re the original fast food… and when done right can make even the “Dollar Menu” seem expensive.

In all my years of cooking I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t have a favorite sandwich of some sort. Some folks like it simple with a classic grilled cheese or straightforward peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread (crusts optional, of course.) Or I’ve met others who go so far as studying wine pairings for their favorite complicated combo of imported meats and cheese! You see, that’s the beauty of it: a great sandwich is in the eye of the beholder. The options are wonderfully endless.

Eddie Jordan of Bristow, OK shows off his kitchen know-how and love of classic flavors with his Oklahoma Style Brisket Sandwiches. Like barbecue, brisket recipes can vary wildly as you travel through different regions of the U.S. Brisket is universally known, however, for its intense smoky flavor and ultra-tender texture. Eddie’s easy-peasy recipe gets us to that mouth-watering end-result in just a few simple steps.

“This brisket is so good,” says Eddie, “[whether] you have the family over, or take it to a church get together.”

This is surely a recipe that you can be proud to serve just about anywhere. Folks will be asking you how you found the time to get the meat so tender… Pat your brow and take a bow. Your secret is safe with us!

Ok, this brings me to a very important issue: Cheese. Where would we be without it? Sandwiches everywhere would fall limp in despair and words like “ooey” or “gooey” would slowly fade from our language. Join me in my campaign to keep America cheesy! Already on board are some fabulous cooks from all around the country. They’re showing off their dairy pride with some super-ooey, super-gooey sandwich recipes for the ages.

First up: Decadent Buffalo Chicken Sliders! Tawni Cress recently shared her recipe for miniature chicken sandwiches that combine all the goodness of Buffalo chicken… including the tangy blue cheese.

“These are super easy to make, and you can adjust the heat to your liking,” explains Tawni. “My kids adore these.”

And so do I! These sandwiches are small enough to use as a creative appetizer, or add some chips and serve with coleslaw for a yummy casual dinner.

Even higher up on the scale of decadence is Colleen Sowa’s invention, the Grilled Cheese Burger! Just as the name suggests, this sandwich combines the best of two delicious classics.

“Who doesn’t love a great hamburger?” asks Colleen. “Who doesn’t like a great grilled cheese? Put them together and what have you got? ONLY THE BEST Sandwich you EVER tasted!!!”

Hey, it’s not bragging if it’s true, right? By layering a burger within a grilled cheese, Colleen has concocted one truly delectable sandwich that’s sure to have your dinner crowd talking… and looking for a place to nap.

And finally, props to Kathy Cromer of Cincinnati, OH who has bravely taken an always-tasty hoagie recipe, added even more cheese, and then baked it into a state of pure deliciousness.

“I serve this with our favorite pizza sauce for dipping,” exclaims Cathy.

My, oh my, this recipe takes sandwiches to a whole other plane. Part pizza, part sandwich… 100% delicious!

So what’s your sandwich sweet spot? Are you classic or spicy? Light and healthy or decadently rich? No matter your mood there’s a combo just right for you. Forget the silverware – all you’re gonna need is a cold drink…and a napkin.