Ciabatta Sandwich

Okay, I think it’s high time I got a new recipe out… and I have just the one! Perfect for spring and summer, this flavorful Ciabatta sandwich will be a hit with any age and gender. We sampled a similar version at our friends’ place in Ohio and I couldn’t wait to come home and try it!

Ciabatta Sandwich

1 large Ciabatta loaf*
Butter
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
Deli black forest ham, sliced thin
Deli smoked turkey breast, sliced thin
Thin sliced Cheddar cheese
Lettuce leaves
Thin sliced tomatoes
Thin sliced cucumbers
Renee's Mediterranean Greek dressing (or vinaigrette of your choice)

Slice open the loaf horizontally, spread with butter and lightly toast under broiler. Spread lightly with Mayo, then layer meat and veggies in order given. Salt and pepper if desired, then drizzle lightly with dressing. Cut into individual sizes and serve slightly warm. So yummy and gourmet!

*Note: Our local grocery store carries a bread called Mediterranean Bread which is delicious as well. The possibilities are as endless as available types of bread!

chicken packets

In case no one's noticed yet... I could live with one kind of meat in my freezer - chicken! It's yummy, it's healthy and it doesn't make you feel like you ate 5 meals in one. For living in a community... actually province that is made up of beef farmers, it's almost a sacrilege to say you don't dig beef. But honestly? I don't. I like my prime rib at The Keg about once a year, and that's absolutely all I crave in the beef department. But chicken! And today while cruising around Amanda's gorgeous site, I came across this incredible recipe called "Chicken Packets". And you know what? I'm going to post the recipe here, just because I like to be able to find it later... but please visit her website - an experience in itself!

Chicken Packets

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1 (3 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp milk
2 pkgs refrigerated crescent rolls
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350*. Spray rectangular baking sheet with Pam. Mix chicken, cream cheese, and milk in a large bowl. Unroll crescent rolls. Each tube will contain 4 rectangles of dough with a diagonal perforation. Press along diagonal perforation to seal together. Spoon chicken mixture into the center of 4 rectangles. Place the other 4 rectangles over the filling and pinch the edges together of seal tightly. Brush each packet with melted butter and coat with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 4 packets.

P.S. I actually added sauteed mushrooms and it was delish! This recipe is so cool because it looks like you slaved for hours making it, but actually it's the easiest thing I've ever made! And it would be great as an appetizer if you made each packet about 1/4 the size. Enjoy!

stromboli

This has to be one of Tech Guy's favorite foods of all time. In fact, he was the one who introduced me to this recipe when we got married. I had never even had Stromboli before much less prepared it! It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. I made 1/2 recipe for the 4 of us for lunch and there was only a little left over.

Stromboli

Dough:

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup oil

1 Tbsp instant yeast

1/2 tsp salt

4-5 cups flour

Filling:

3 Tbsp mustard or pizza sauce

4 American cheese slices

Sliced salami

Sliced ham

1/2 lb fried sausage or hamburger (optional)

2-3 cups shredded Mozzarella

Olive oil

Oregano

Italian Seasoning

Mix first 4 ingredients; add flour until a soft dough is formed. Let sit while preparing meat. Roll dough into 2 large rectangular shapes. In middle 1/3 of dough, layer the following: mustard or pizza sauce, row of cheese slices, 1-2 rows of salami, 1 layer of ham, sausage or hamburger, Mozzarella cheese. Fold outer thirds of dough over filling*. Pinch and seal edges. Brush with oil; sprinkle with oregano and Italian seasoning. Lift onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned.

*I often braid it for a dressed-up look. Just snip sideways into the outer thirds, about 1" apart all the way along, then fold them in toward the middle, alternating sides. (I don't know if that made any sense at all...) :(

quesadillas

Since Tech Guy (dh) comes home for lunch every day, I've racked my brain for new yet simple ideas. Pretty much what I've come up with is that lunch is usually a take on sandwiches, which may include wraps, quesadillas, burgers, burritos, etc. One of the fastest and easiest favorites is chicken quesadillas... If you're in the same rut I am, this one's for you! All measurements are approximate, I just dump and pour:

6 medium chicken breasts
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can green chilies
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese
6 tortillas (any flavor)

Cube chicken and fry in olive oil, add spices and cook until done. Add green chilies and heat through. Place tortillas on hot griddle, add 1/2 to 1 cup meat mixture and 1/4 cheese and fold in half. Turn when golden brown on the bottom. Cut into 3 wedges each and serve with sour cream and salsa.