EXTRAS FOR SANDWICHES

With the heat that we have had this summer and not wanting to continually heat up the kitchen, I have become a fan of the sandwich.  WOW was I surprised how much I really like sandwiches, but not just the run of the mill sandwich, I like to experiment and mix things up a little, although it is really hard to improve on the perfect BLT.  The BLT really doesn't need any extras for me, plain and simple, no fluff, just crispy bacon, shredded romaine and diced cherub tomatoes, salt and pepper and of course Hellman's mayo on the bread.  But aside from the BLT, there are so many options and I do like to put a little kick, so the following are some of my discoveries.

First I don't know if you have noticed, but the grocery now has so many varieties of mayonaisse on the shelf and who has enough refrigerator space to handle all of these, because if you are like me, I don't want the same all the time.  Therefore, start off with the basic jar of Hellman's mayo and add to it.  I always keep a few extra jars in my pantry, watch for the sales and stock up.

SOUTHWEST MAYO

3 TBL mayo
1 TBL salsa
1 TBL cilantro

Combine these three ingredients and wow an extra kick to a plain ham and cheese or even turkey, or whatever.  I use this also on wrap sandwiches using the jalapeno cheddar tortillas by Mission.

PESTO MAYO

3 TBL mayo
1 TBL pesto, I use Classico Traditional Basil Pesto

Combine these two ingredients and now you have a great Italian mayo.  I use this on my muffalatta sandwiches, or my wraps using the sundried tomato tortillas by Mission.  It's great to use as a dip with french fries also or on a veggie sub sandwich with roasted tri-color peppers, eggplant and fresh mozzarella or smoked provolone.  YUMMY!!!!

GARLIC AIOLI

3 TBL mayo
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 lemon juiced
sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Combine these ingredients with a whisk, it makes it a little fluffier.  I personally like this as a dip with grilled asparagus, with my spicy curly fries, or sweet potato fries ( my all time favorite).  It is just a universal extra..



This is a start for my extras, but look at what you can do with one jar of mayonaisse.  No need to clutter your refrigerator with all those different types.  You can make as much as you want, but I tend to throw out too much that way, so if I make what I need, it doesn't take long and my refrigerator is stuffed already, another small jar will just get lost and then I'll be throwing it out later.  All of these things take seconds to make, so give it a try and let me know what you think.....have a great week...