SANDWICHES!

What could be more versatile, comforting , tasty, nourishing, convenient and occasionall economical?

My earliest sandwich takes me back to school day trips to places like Chester Zoo and Grimsby docks (in the days of a thriving fishery industry) and invariably I would take a banana sandwich. Imagine it starting to ferment during the hot journey, the delicious smell when I released it from its grease proofed paper robe. I accept that this fills some people with disgust, but to me it remains a warm memory of childhood.

My mind starts to open up to the memories of other noted sandwiches from the past. More childhood delights of egg & cress, potted meat, fish paste – all simple fare at birthday parties.

The humble bacon sandwich – strange how the smell of bacon frying can evoke much feeling. A comfort the morning after the night before! Also the downfall of many a Vegetarian.To me the prefect bacon “butty” should be on white, sliced industrial bread with a smear of HP Sauce.

I distinctly remember my first BLT ( bacon, lettuce & tomato) sandwich – I first read about this combination, many years ago in an Observer food article. A revelation, especially with the addition of Helmans Mayonnaise.

Following on from the BLT.

Prawn & mayonnaise, a favourite at M & S.  crab, smoked salmon.

A good hearty steak sandwich can be a gastronomic delight, slathered with good hot mustard. A discussion we had in Australia revolved around tomato ketchup mixed with hot English mustard as a condiment. Listen. Don’t knock it, till you’ve tried it!!

The ever available ham sandwich – which can be pretty mediocre – still a hugely popular choice here in France. With good ham, delicious butter and a perfect baguette it’s difficult to argue against it.

Of course I cannot overlook the “left-overs” sarnie! Christmas night turkey and stuffiing even a spoonful off bread sauce. It can always be elevated by the addition of a spoonful of “moist maker” (Gravy for those not familiar with Friends)

The list is endless.

I really cannot conclude a blog about sandwiches without mentioning Sheila s Favourite. (which I am pretty sure a lot of you will know) It is of course The Fish Finger Sandwich and don’t go on about coujons of cod, it has to be Birds Eye cod fish fingers.

Served with mayonnaise or if you really want to ring in the changes avocado pear.

So let’s hear it for the good old sandwich, and raise a glass and toast the Earl who gave his name to this worldwide institution.