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!

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...) :(