Lemon Mushroom Bruschetta

I know bruschetta is typically toasted bread topped with tomatoes and onions and garlicy goodness.

Well I am breaking the rules today.

I am putting something else on top of toasted bread. Mushrooms. And cream cheese.

I feel a bit naughty.

Go ahead and try to stop me.

Grilled Veggie, Chicken and Goat Cheese Pesto Sandwich

I thought I had to say goodbye to summer a few weeks ago. But it seems like summer has been trying to creep back into my life. And I am going to let it. Windows are open, jackets are off and the BBQ is ON!

I felt like I didn't do enough BBQing this year, so I am glad I get one more chance to make up for it.

Eggplant, Hummus and Feta Cheese Pita Sandwich

It was my first day back at school today. Only 2 more years and I will have completed my masters degree and be forced to face the real world of responsibilities and business casual clothes. But until then, I am completely happy in my sweatpants and my delicious dinners for 1. After a long day of classes (and I mean long) I needed something super easy and quick before I pass out on my couch. 

Yes that is a glass of wine in the background...I needed it!

Eggplant, Hummus and Feta Cheese Pita Sandwich

Time: 10 mins.                              CPS: $1.05                  L of D: Undergraduate

- 2 slices of Eggplant

- 2 slices of Tomato

- Handful of Spinach

- 2 Tbsp of Hummus

- A wee crumble of Feta Cheese

- 1 large Whole Wheat Pita

- Olive Oil

Grill the eggplant on your BBQ or fry it in a frying pan until it is soft and cooked through. 

Assemble sammie. Drizzle with a little olive oil. 

Happy first day of school!

Turkey, Brie, Apple and Honey Mustard Sandwich

This is a quick sandwich I like to make when I want to spice up my everyday turkey sandwich. And of course when I have leftover Brie Cheese - because I never buy brie just to stock my fridge, I had this leftover from a gathering I had the night before. I am actually surprised it lasted through the night.

I am a cheese thief.

Thai Eggplant, Mushroom and Parmesan Sandwich

Recently I posted all about Thai Eggplants as a New Food Challenge - the what, the when, the how.. and I followed up with Basil Thai Eggplants. But clearly that is not enough. Nope, not for this girl. 

Besides my ravenous hunger pains and my determination to cook a hole in my frying pan, I actually just had a bunch of  my Basil Thai Eggplants left over that I didn't want to waste. So with some sauce, a bun, a whooole whack of cheese and a friend to put heads together with, we came up with - ooey gooey THAI Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich!

Balsamic Steak Sandwich

Who likes a good steak sandwich? Greasy tender beef, loads of cheese, crunchy vegs all topped on a soft bun. Oh ya. You can find them at any local pub, and I  hear Philly is the place to get a good one ( ha ha). Some foods are meant to be greasy, cheesy and extremely unhealthy for you, and most people could agree that a steak sandwich is one of those things. Especially with a side of fries, a big ol glass of beer and friends at sleezy bar (at least...those are my memories of a steak sandwich!)

But alas, uber fattening food is no longer part of my everyday anymore. So how to compensate? Try to make one at home. But it will never be the same, I can never get it to taste just right (but then again, I am making healthier choices, so how could I ever make it taste the same). So .. lets swap fat for flavour. Be BOLD. Sounds like a plan. Instead of using pounds of cheese, I choose to use a type with big flavour, but just less of it. Instead of using gallons of butter, I used spices. See the pattern?

The CAR Sandwich

This sandwich is truly a master sandwich. It is my all-time-favourite-never-can-have-enough sandwich. The first time I made it, my bf acted like he died and went to heaven. Needless to say, it is frequently requested amongst all my friends.

What is CAR? Chicken-avocado-roasted red pepper. But there is also cheese and mayo. Should I have called it the CARMC? CCARM? RACCM? Well it doesn't matter what you call it when you gobble it all down.

This sandwich is kind of like a panini. But I do not have a panini press to properly grill the sandwich, so... I had to improvise. Read on for further instructions!

The CAR Sandwich

1 Chicken Breast
1/2 Avocado
1/2 Roasted Red Pepper
Cheese (cheddar or marble is what I use - and use as much or as little as you want)
1 Ciabatta Bun
2 Tbsp of Mayo
Hot Sauce or Cayanne (optional)
S & P for seasoning

Start off by seasoning your chicken breast with salt and pepper. Feel free to use other seasoning as you please. I usually slice the breast into strips for faster cooking. Throw it in a pan and cook until done.

In the meantime, slice open your ciabatta bun and lay flat. Scoop out the flesh from the avocado and mush it up in a bowl, (it makes it easier to spread). In another bowl, add some hot sauce to some mayo. This is optional, but even for me (someone who has zero tolerance for hot stuff), it adds a pleasant little zip. Avocado on one side of the bun, and mayo on the other side.

By this time, your chicken should be done, so load it on one side of the sandwich. Top with a roasted red pepper. You can use store-bought or make you own. Not sure how to roast a pepper? Check out some instructions here. Top with shredded cheese.

Okay, here comes the creative part. I mimic a panini press by heating up some oil in a frying pan and play the sandwich in the pan. Then I take another smaller pan and put it on top of the sandwich. THEN using a glass or a mug, I put it on top of the frying pan and press. This added weight to the sandwich will press it together to mimic a panini (you may never get your sandwich quite as flat as a real panini but it will be just as good). Another way to do it is to find a brick and wrap it in tin foil and use the weight of it to press the sandwich.  All you need is a hot pan and something to put weight on the sandwich. Sounds funny but once you try it, I bet you will be doing this little trick more often than you think.

Once the sandwich is golden brown on one side, flip and repeat until a nice crunchy crust is formed.

Crunch crunch crunch...Om nom nom...mmmmm