Turkey-Apple Sandwiches

These were a last-minute concoction that turned out quite yummy! They're very simple, with no cooking (duh--it's a sandwich!), but they have some tart granny smith apple slices for an added crunch.

You'll need (for 4 sandwiches):

1. 8 slices Wheat bread (I used 9-gram Sara Lee because they are large slices)
2. 1/2 lb. thick sliced turkey (again, Sara Lee, sliced fresh in the grocery store deli)
3. 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
4. Spicy or Dijon Mustard

You'll make them by:

1. Preheat your oven broiler on high.
2. Place all the bread slices on a large cookie sheet and brown them for about 2 minutes, or until lightly toasted. I like the soft, freshness of wheat bread, so I only toast one side of it. But, if you want both sides toasted, just flip the slices over and toast another 2 minutes. It's helpful to toast at least one side to keep the bread from getting soggy if not eating the sandwiches immediately.
3. Spread mustard lightly on the toasted side of each bread slice.
4. Place apple slice(s) on 4 of the pieces of toast atop the mustard.
5. Top the apple with 2 oz. of turkey for each sandwich.
6. Place the other bread slice, mustard side down on top of the turkey.
7. Cut diagonally and serve with veggies and dip, fruit salad, or chips!

Nam! Nam!

Balsamic Steak Sandwiches

I got this awesome recipe out of a magazine called Real Simple. It is the greatest magazine that I've ever read for sure! The only thing I changed about this recipe is the bread and the cheese. They suggested blue cheese, which I'm sure is great, but I'm not a fan, so I went for another white cheese--Provolone!

You need:

1. 2 lbs strip steak
2. 1/2 large purple onion, sliced
3. 5 roma tomatoes, sliced
4. 1 tspn salt
5. 1 tspn black pepper
6. 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
7. 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
8. 6 slices provolone cheese
9. 6 sandwich rolls (I use Pepperidge Farm Sesame Seed Buns)

You do:

1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Be sure the cookie sheet have four sides to keep any liquid from dripping off.
3. Sprinkle the strip steak with 1/2 tspn salt and 1/2 tspn black pepper. Place on one side of the cookie sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix tomato slices, onion slices, 1/2 tspn salt, 1/2 tspn pepper, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Be sure to toss the tomatoes lightly, but coat all the vegetables thoroughly with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
5. Pour the vegetables out on the opposite side of the cookie sheet. Separate the vegetables so that all of them will get exposure to the heat.
6. Cook the steak and vegetables in the oven for 6 minutes. When removing it from the oven, allow the steak to sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
7. Meanwhile, open sandwich rolls and place them on a clean cookie sheet. Lay a piece of cheese on each roll. Heat in oven about 3 minutes, or until cheese is slightly melted to roll.
8. Slice strip steak into small strips, about 1/2-inch (think fajitas), or thicker if desired.
9. Divide cut steak, and marinated veggies on each roll. Serve with chips, or fries, or a mixed greens salad.

Nam! Nam!

MaMaw's Chicken Salad Sandwiches

This recipe can be adapted for simplicity and health!

What you'll need:

1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2. 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
3. 2 boiled eggs, diced
4. 2 tbsp mayonnaise
5. 8 slices wheat toast

What you'll do:

1. Mix the chicken, pickles, eggs, and mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Spread the mixture equally on 4 pieces of toast. Top with remaining pieces of toast.

For speed/simplicity: Use boiled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned shredded chicken. Instead of diced pickles, use dill relish, and buy the eggs already boiled in the produce department of upscale grocery stores. These pre-made ingredients make this a very quick meal!

For lower fat: Omit the egg yolks, and use light mayonnaise or miracle whip.

Serve with chips and fruit.

Nam! Nam!