Tag Panini

NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

August is National Sandwich Month. The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011 by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)
The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must have at least 35% cooked meat and be no more than 50% bread. The average American child eats about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before finishing high school. Astronaut John Young once smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board a Gemini flight. Submarine sandwiches are called “hoagies” in Philadelphia and “heroes” in New York. The Dagwood sandwich was first introduced by Chic Young, creator of the Blondie strip, who described the sandwich as a “mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers.”

Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua) by Stasher
Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)

by Stasher


SANDWICH HACKS: HOW TO ENJOY NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

  • When making a BLT, weave the bacon together to avoid the bacon from falling out when you bite into it.
  • Worried about “fridge thieves” sealing your sandwich at the office? Get a Moldy Sandwich Bag. The bag isn’t really moldy; it only gives the appearance your lunch looks moldy and spoiled.
  • Instead of bread or toast, make your breakfast sandwiches with waffles.
  • Turn your freshly-baked bread over and slice it on the soft side. That helps prevent squishing the bread.

HISTORY

In 1952, the Wheat Flour Institute established August as National Sandwich Month. Newspapers across the country filled their pages with recipes fit for the Earl of Sandwich and picnics alike. The annual observance continues today.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try a new sandwich recipe every week and share them on social media! Get some of our family favorites from our recipes page. Wraps, Panninis, and family dinners can be found here. Use #NationalSandwichMonth to post your creations.

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NATIONAL PANINI MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

National Panini Month is the perfect time to celebrate the hot, melty sandwich on a beautiful August day. Panini is derived from Italian origin and is basically a grilled sandwich made with non-sliced bread. National Panini Month is an opportunity to break the regular old sandwich habit and panini away!

The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative and Classic Recipes Paperback – May 5, 2020 by Sean Curry  (Author)
The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative and Classic Recipes Paperback – May 5, 2020

by Sean Curry  (Author)

A precursor of panini appeared in a 16th-century Italian cookbook but didn’t become popular 1970s and 1980s. In the 1980s young Italian hipster types who hung out in coffee-and-panini bars were known as “paninari.” The paninari revolted against the drabness of urban culture with colorful Italian fashion and a taste for fast food and “caferacer” motorcycles. Based in Milan, the paninaro craze spread across Italy. The British pop group Pet Shop Boys even recorded a song, Paniniaro, celebrating the paninari culture.

The Everything Panini Press Cookbook Paperback – September 18, 2011 by Anthony Tripodi  (Author)
The Everything Panini Press Cookbook

by Anthony Tripodi  (Author)

There are many different ways to make a panini, original ingredients, or your own creations its sure to hit the spot. Panini’s taste great with ciabatta, rosetta and baguette bread. Panini’s can be made from a variety of options. Paninis are especially good when pressed flat in a “panini press.” They resemble waffle irons, only with flat plates. A panini press is a versatile device. You can use it to make French toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, pita chips, omelets, pizza and your favorite breakfast sandwiches. Paninis go great with chili, coleslaw, French Fried potatoes, and your favorite soup!

I love this grill! I do chicken breasts, porkchops, steaks, fish, bacon comes out divine, and of course my Chipotle Turkey Panini. Works great for grilled cheese too. Sear on a steak? So easy and no worries about condensing water or other pan related issues.

George Foreman GR340FB 4-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press, Black by George Foreman
George Foreman GR340FB 4-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press, Black

by George Foreman

If you try these panini variations, let us know your thoughts in the comments.

  • CAPRESE – Mozzarella (smoked optional), tomato and basil, cooked until golden.
  • EGGPLANT-MOZZARELLA – Mozzarella (smoked optional), grilled eggplant and basil, cooked until golden.
  • CAPRESE VARIATIONS – Anchovies and capers, or prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.
  • PESTO TURKEY – A Caprese with pesto and slices of turkey breast.
  • CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA – Grilled chicken with pesto and prosciutto.
  • APPLE-MANCHEGO – Apple slices and manchego cheese with olive oil and quince paste.
  • THREE-MEAT – Sliced soppressata, capicola, salami, fontina and roasted red peppers.

Did I mention they can be wrapped in parchment paper for an easy lunch. Simply leave it wrapped and microwave for about a minute. One of these and a good cup of soup will help you get through the rest of your day.

HISTORY

Sargento Foods, Inc. founded National Panini Month in 2008.

Reynolds Kitchens Wax Paper Sandwich Bags - 6x7-13/16", 50Count by Reynolds
Reynolds Kitchens Wax Paper Sandwich Bags – 6×7-13/16″, 50Count

by Reynolds

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy your favorite panini today! Use #NationalPaniniMonth in social media correspondence.

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Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker Non-Stick Coated Plates, Opens 180 Degrees to Fit Any Type or Size of Food, Stainless Steel Surface and Removable Drip Tray, 4 Slice, Black
Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker Non-Stick Coated Plates, Opens 180 Degrees to Fit Any Type or Size of Food, Stainless Steel Surface and Removable Drip Tray, 4 Slice, Black

PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

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On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.  

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket is often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served at any mealtime!

Another popular version of pigs-in-a-blanket includes cabbage rolls stuffed with a beef filling. It’s often covered with a tomato or cream sauce. Many recipes use the name “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” to describe just about any meat product wrapped in something. For example, one recipe we found called for stuffing a hotdog with a slice of cheese and wrapping the whole works with bacon. No dough or cabbage involved here. 

And while some references give Betty Crocker credit for the first printed use of the phrase in 1957, records as early as 1901 reference recipes for pigs-in-a-blanket in a variety of forms. However, the phrase did increase in usage in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 cookbook. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPigBlanketDay

No matter how you make pigs-in-a-blanket, make enough to share. We even have two recipes for you to try. The ones wrapped in pastry dough make great appetizers or snacks and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. Check out the sauce recipes, too! 

Pigs-In-A-Blanket(Cabbage)
Pigs-In-A-Blanket (mini smokies)
Dipping Sauces

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way. 

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.  

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

  • What was the best movie you watched last year?
  • What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
  • Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

  • Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
  • Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
  • Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
  • Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Card#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards, Multipack of 3#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Cards, Multipack of 3
TGI Fridays Potato Skins Snacks, Cheddar & Bacon, 1oz Bag (Pack of 12, Total of 12 Oz)#NationalMakeLunchCount
TGI Fridays Potato Skins Snacks, Cheddar & Bacon, 1oz Bag (Pack of 12, Total of 12 Oz)
T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards - In a Gift Box#NationalMakeLunchCount
T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Cards – In a Gift Box

NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY

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National Cheesesteak Day on March 24th not only celebrates a fantastic sandwich but it recognizes one of this nation’s greater debates; Who created this deliciousness?

It’s like March Madness for a cheesesteak. Pat’s and Geno’s square off at 10 AM followed by Chubby’s and Dalessandro’s at 11 AM. Then Jim’s and Tony Luke’s at Noon. Basketball fans know how brackets go. Someone is gonna get a by.

However, the credit is given to a hot dog vendor from the 1930s, Pat Olivieri. According to Philadelphia’s tourism site, Pat’s King of Steaks sits on its original location and is still going strong. This writer has had a cheesesteak from there and would go back in a heartbeat.

The important thing is this fabulous, juicy sandwich on a hoagie roll. The roll is filled with chipped steak, and you can order it with or without cheese and onions. If you’ve never had one, you can really only get an authentic one in Philly. Other places try, so go where you can. But someday, go to Philadephia. It is the real deal.

Try this for a delicious easy Cheesesteak recipe.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheesesteakDay

Invite your friends and head over to your favorite cheesesteak restaurant. Get it with cheese (it’s cheesesteak day, not steak day) and add the onions, too.  Use #NationalCheesesteakDay to share on social media.

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Philly Cheesesteak Style Dinner Kit#NationalCheesesteakDay
Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Philly Cheesesteak Style Dinner Kit
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Prime Steak Seasoning, 4 Ounce#NationalCheesesteakDay
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Prime Steak Seasoning, 4 Ounce
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Certified Philly Cheesesteak Tester T-Shirt#NationalCheesesteakDay
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Certified Philly Cheesesteak Tester T-Shirt
Original Philly WOW Seasoned Beef Sandwich Slices#NationalCheesesteakDay
Original Philly WOW Seasoned Beef Sandwich Slices
Omaha Steaks Deluxe Gift Package (Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, Filet Mignon Burgers, Gourmet Jumbo Franks, Potatoes au Gratin, Caramel Apple Tartlets, Omaha Steaks Seasoning)#NationalCheesesteakDay
Omaha Steaks Deluxe Gift Package (Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, Filet Mignon Burgers, Gourmet Jumbo Franks, Potatoes au Gratin, Caramel Apple Tartlets, Omaha Steaks Seasoning)