Not the Earl of Sandwich - but a Sandwich Contest

The warm weather is on its way, and along with that comes picnic season, boating season, family day trips, and included in all those activities, is the picnic lunch. Most of us pack some type of sandwich in our picnic lunches, along with several other types of goodies. Now comes a chance for you to shine and tell the world what your favorite sandwich is.

One of my publicist friends just let me know that the Mezzetta Company, based in Napa Valley is running a contest for a fantastic sandwich recipe. The sandwich can be a cold sandwich, a hot sandwich, or a vegetarian sandwich.

The Mezzettas are offering $25,000 and a trip to Napa Valley as the grand prize - not too shabby to create a fabulous sandwich!

Entries for the contest will be accepted starting this Monday and running through Labor Day.
The Mezzettas are known for their pepper and olive products among a whole host of other goodies. You should check out their website for some great recipes at Mezzetta.

To find out the specifics of the contest, here is the direct link. Please read the rules carefully as you must include two or more of the wonderful products that Mezzetta produces in your sandwiches (specialty peppers, olives or other gourmet foods are among your choices).

Just so you have some idea of what they are looking for, here is last year's grand prize winner...


Spanish Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Edwina Gadsby

Recipe Category: Hot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4



Ingredients:

8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices peasant bread or other artisan bread
3 cups shredded Manchego cheese
3 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto

Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping:

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 to 4 tablespoons Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil - divided
1 tablespoon Mezzetta Crushed Garlic
1 cup Mezzetta Roasted Red Pepper Strips
1 cup Mezzetta Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro

Directions:

For Topping: Whisk together vinegar, paprika, 1 tablespoon Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Mezzetta Crushed Garlic in bowl. Add Mezzetta Roasted Red Pepper Strips, Mezzetta Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and parsley (or cilantro); tossing to coat.

For Sandwiches: Sprinkle 4 slices of bread with half the cheese. Top with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping and ham. Apply the remaining cheese as another layer. Top with a second piece of bread and press together.

Brush sandwiches with remaining Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat in a panini press or skillet until lightly browned on both sides and cheese has melted. Serve hot.

Makes 4 sandwiches

So dig out your creative chef's hat, start making those sandwiches and perhaps, this will be your year to shine!