SANDWICCIA ANYONE?…Focaccia sandwiches by another name!

Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., (American diplomat)

Made some Roasted Garlic & Bell Pepper Focaccia again the other day. This very versatile Italian bread has become quite a staple at home since the kids LOVE it. It’s a gratifying feeling that they enjoy garlic & basil as much as we do…which just means that meal times are simpler & fun to plan too. They enjoy home baked breads of all sorts. For me, it’s therapeutic. The mixing, the kneading, the rising & finally the aromas that waft through the whole house makes life just seem more worthwhile. I made a double batch of focaccia, & served up the second batch the next day as grilled ‘SANDWICCIAS‘…my coined phrase for focaccia sandwiches, which quite takes sandwiches to another level altogether. They were obviously quite because they were polished off in next to no time. The kids said they tasted just like pizzas, but better!! So here you go…presenting some cheesy grilled ‘SANDWICCIAS‘!

Roasted Garlic & Bell Pepper Focaccia – recipe HERE
For the Sandwiccias…

• Cool the focaccia completely, & then slice horizontally to get 2 flat slices.
• Spread a layer of cheese spread, followed by slices of cheese, then sliced tomatoes, salt & freshly ground pepper, fresh chopped basil leaves & some grated cheese. (Add any filling of your choice).
• Grill the focaccia sandwiches on a lightly greased pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side, weighed down with a panini press if possible. (I use a metal plate with a weight on top).
• The cheese melts & acts as the glue, holding everything together well…& the flavours of the focaccia come through really nicely.
• Quarter & serve warm, with potato wedges & a salad / pasta.
• I served ours with ‘roasted garlic & pesto’ oven-baked potato wedges, & fusili in a light cream coriander sauce with red & yellow bell peppers.

This yummy sandwiccia is off to the Sandwich Festival 2008, an event hosted by Anupama @ Food n More. In her words…”I love bread and am constantly looking for ideas to make different kinds of sandwich creations. They are great in lunch boxes and perfect food when you are on the go. They are also a healthy option when you are too tired to cook and whatsmore a sandwich is something that even husbands can make on their own without grumbling too much. “

I agree with her… I’m always game for creative sandwich ideas too. Am now beginning to go a step further; I sometimes try & make the bread too! This ‘sandwiccia‘ was the result of one such culinary adventure…one that was very satisfying!

Full of flavour…ENJOY!!