The Perfect Sandwich

Butter-Almond-Crusted Fish Sandwiches

I love a good fish sandwich and it has been a while since I've had one. I came across this recipe using tilapia, a firm, forgiving and inexpensive fish. I loved the idea of piling coleslaw over the fish and using pulverized almonds as part of the crust, making it somewhat reminiscent of sole almondine.

The sandwich was crispy, sophisticated, fun and not to mention budget-friendly. It's a great addition to regular dinners around here. When we get home from working in the vineyard we are starving and this will hit the spot quite nicely without feeling like a heavy meal.

The fish remained juicy within its crust and the splash of lemon was the perfect finish. You can use any type of bread, toasting it or throwing it on the grill pan gives the sandwich a good textural contrast.

Try it out when you have some time.

Take Me to the Ballpark

It's hard to believe that baseball season is about to begin again. I see bits and pieces on the news about players reporting to Spring training. I see photos of fathers and sons dressed up in their player's favorite jersey, watching an early practice, hoping to get an autograph. The excitement is building of those summer nights at the ballpark; that all-American warm, fuzzy feeling most folks associate with baseball.

My thoughts are far from warm and fuzzy, more like torture and terror. On October 30, 2007 at 2:30 am, my phone rings. I struggle to find the phone, wondering who died. I hear a voice "Hello, this is Scheduling, can I speak to Laura." All I can say is "yes?" "Laura, we have a trip for you. You are going to fly to Denver and then to Boston and back to Atlanta today." Excuse me, it's 2:30 am, is this a joke? When did we start flying to these destinations in the middle of the night? I'm not sure what I said but I get an answer.

"The Boston Red Sox won the World Series a few hours ago and by the way, you are the Flight Attendant in charge." (I’ve since learned that no team would jinx their chances of winning by booking the plane home before they actual clinch the trophy.)

One for the Table's Grilled Cheese Recipe Contest Winners

offtcontest

We’re very happy to announce the WINNERS of One for the Table's first-ever BEST GRILLED CHEESE RECIPE CONTEST. We know we're a bit late with the results, but there were so many great recipes it was hard to choose the winners. In fact, we got so excited about the entries that we added a fourth prize for Best Written.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. And a giant thank you to our amazing sponsor

Grill on!

FIRST PLACE: MACKENZIE SMITH

Grilled Mozzerella and Sopressata with Basil Honey & Red Pepper Flake Butter Sandwich

- 1 tablespoon of basil infused honey
- Fresh basil leaves and tupelo honey, OF COURSE
- about 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 hearty slices of a Bâtard
- 5 slices of sopressata picante
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flaked butter

Combine 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with one tablespoon of real salted butter, MIX.

Coat one side of the bread in basil-honey, add layer using half of the mozz, add sopressata, rest of the mozz and coat one side of the remaining slice of bread with basil honey lay on top of sandwich. Coat both of the outsider sides of bread in red pepper flake butter and grill on medium-low for a few minutes until crispy, golden, and melted. Allow to sit for a minute and serve!

Artisanal Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I recently gave a studio tour to 40+ photograph students from Long Beach City College. For the past few years I’ve been a proud member of the advisory committee for the photography department, and it tickles me to no end to meet with the students.

This year’s group was particularly bright and full of insight, asking tons of valuable questions that ran the gamut from studio management and self-promotion to the logistics of photographing food. I made sure to have the books we’ve shot on the table for the students to see, and later someone asked me about The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches It was at this point that I admitted, like I always do when people ask, that I actually took one or more bites of every single sandwich from this book.

Yes, you read that right. I tasted every single sandwich. Because this was actually work, I’ve prepared a highly scientific flow chart to show you the studio’s exact process.

Cheese & Poetry

We're not sure who makes these decisions...

April is not only National Grilled Cheese Month, but also National Poetry Month. In an effort to celebrate both, The Pop Shop in Collingswood, New Jersey, is holding their 3rd Annual Cheesy Poetry Contest, which honors the best poem, ode or haiku about the joy of eating grilled cheese at their shop.

Since they make over 30 different types of grilled cheese, they are clearly a great place to find inspiration. The contest is open to all ages with two winners being selected – one adult and one child.

To enter, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by April 24th. For full contest rules and more information about the joys of Grilled Cheese go to The Pop Shop.

Living in California, my only problem is how to collect the free lunch when I win.

Sandwiches