A Southern Grace: sand witches

April 7, 2011

sand witches

Yum

Fact: Sandwiches are awesome. Each and every person in the world can tailor the innards of a sandwich (not to mention the type of bread surrounding said innards) to his or her tastes. The sandwich is the ultimate personalize-able food.


Susan Russo, known for the longest time to me by the name of her blog, Food Blogga, has created a book focusing solely on the art of sandwich-making. There's so much to love about this book, from the amazing pictures (nicely done, Matt) to the wide variety of recipes and ideas to the impeccable organization. Every sandwich I could call to mind was listed and featured, even the fluffernutter and the oh-so-underrated fried bologna sandwich. There's a handy ingredient index as well as an index of sandwiches, and there are several recipes that give variations and options for mixing and matching.


Deviled ham is something I'd never made and only eaten once or twice before coming across Susan's recipe for a deviled ham sandwich. The whole process was surprisingly easy and the results were delicious. Creamy and flavorful, with a bit of crunch and tang here and there. It's a good one to have in the ol' repertoire, that's for sure.

Well done, Susan--I can't say enough good things about your effort here. If I ever compose a cookbook, I can only hope it's as well-orchestrated as yours!

Deviled Hammie Sammie
(from The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, by Susan Russo, reprinted with permission)
2 cups chopped ham
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon dried dill (my addition)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 slices of bread or 12 finger rolls

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped ham with the relish, mayo, mustard, sauces, dill, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Spoon filling into bread and devour.

58 comments:

CC11 said...

I am always searching for new sandwich fillings!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I love homemade sandwiches and this one looks terrific!

Cheers,

Rosa

pigpigscorner said...

Love the height of your sandwich!

Barbara said...

(Grace, I like the new script on your blog....fun.)

What a super cookbook. Must have fascinating to read. My mother used to make deviled ham sammies, but they were nothing like this! Love that pickle relish and the kick from the tabasco!

The Blonde Duck said...

I LOVE a good sandwich. There's one at Jason's Deli I'm obsessed with--turkey, ham, cheese, bacon, guacamole on grilled wheat...

Julie M. said...

What a great cookbook! I love sandwiches! And isn't Matt awesome? I had the privilege of watching him and his husband in action earlier this year. They are incredibly talented.

A Plum By Any Other Name said...

If there is a fan club to join for sandwiches, sign me up! Especially when there are pickled edibles involved ...

Anonymous said...

Such a yummy looking sandwich there!

peachkins said...

That is a mean looking sammie!yumyum!

I also made a sandwich!

Christina said...

When we play the game what food could you eat for the rest of your life my hubby always says sandwiches. He thinks he's being clever since there are so many varieties. This looks delicious!

~~louise~~ said...

My first experience with deviled ham sandwiches was just a few years ago here in PA.

I'd love to tackle it myself so this recipe is right up my alley.

Thanks for sharing, Grace...

Gloria Baker said...

Grace these sandwiches look delicious and amazing!! gloria

DessertForTwo said...

I was hoping I could see some reviews of Susan's book! Thanks :)

vanillasugarblog said...

ohhh so that's who the author is. now i know who you are talking about.
interesting. and what a good concept for a book too.

Hungry Dog said...

I totally agree. Sandwiches are rad. End of story.

lisa is cooking said...

I can't wait to dig into this book. And, I agree, sandwiches are awesome!

Julie said...

I love a good sandwich...I don't believe I've ever had deviled ham.

Mimi said...

We love sandwich night at our house.
Mimi

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Sounds delicious Grace. I made a sandwich at Susans request, don't know what ever happened there, but I can attest to the fact that it was delicious!!

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Mr.Nutmeg Nanny would love this sandwich!

Yummy to tummy said...

I have to try this. I love sandwiches and this sounds like a super interesting recipe to me. Thanks for sharing :-)

Come by and visit when you have time, Cheers from dutch cooking

Livin Local said...

I join you in the fantastic accomplishments to the Food Blogga. Like you, this is not a sandwich I've had often, and never at home. Looking at the ingredient list, it reads like a really good hot dog. Just in time for the opening of baseball season!

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

WOW! What a gorgeous sandwich! That is a book I must buy!

Lyndas recipe box said...

This sandwich looks amazing Grace; I love a good sandwich and can't wait to try this one-great job!
Fried bologna sandwich you say? I haven't had one of those in years!

Foodhoe said...

Ooh does that look good! I love a well crafted Sammie, and a sandwich encyclopedia is so cool! Thanks for pointing this very important guide out

scrambledhenfruit said...

That sounds like the deviled ham my mom used to make, only she hasn't made it for years and years! I'll have to try it- I love a good sammich!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I'm with you and Liz Lemon on the sandwich and am in full support of an international Sandwich day!

Marie said...

Thank you, Grace, for sharing this recipe and the idea of being more creative for sandwiches. I'm always making the same ones. You need a big mouth for that one :-)

sweetlife said...

I love deviled ham, one of my hubby's fav, love the name hammie sammie..great review

sweetlife

Lisa-Marie said...

oh Grace. Sandwiches are one of those things which nothing can beat. Yum.

Angie's Recipes said...

What a great sandwich! Actually I would love to have 2nd helping!

Pam said...

Now that's a sandwich! I love the addition of dill... mmm good.

Leslie said...

Deviled ham? how naughty!

Mandy said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! This cookbook looks like a fun read and I'm loving the sammie recipe you posted. Yum!

kat said...

Oh, I haven't had deviled ham in so long & you've reminded me how good it can be

Erin said...

I seriously NEED that book! I LOVE sandwiches! And yours looks divine!!!

Marjie said...

Deviled ham sounds good! I think my mother used to purchase it in a can, and just add mayo, but don't quote me on that.

Hereabouts, I use the previous night's meat-du-jour with cheese, tomatoes and whatever else seems appropriate to make sammies for myself and hubster. Homeschool kid, being fussy, is a nutella freak these days. No biggie; it's one less sammie I make!

Emily said...

This sounds like a great book! Congrats to Susan! I bet that sandwich was delicious.

kimberleyblue said...

Oh wow. I love sandwiches. I also love ham. I also love how delicious your sandwich looks.

What is deviled ham? Do you call it that because of the added heat (the tabasco sauce)?

I like your addition of dill. Sounds perfect for this sandwich.

Carolyn Jung said...

A great sandwich is a work of art. It's truly a science to create one where the smears, meats, cheeses, and veggies are in the perfect quantity and compliment each other perfectly. And of course, you have to use the appropriate bread, too, to make it really sing.

Laura said...

I got asked to review this also and, much as it killed me to ever say not o a cookbook, I had to say no because, gasp, I do not like sandwiches. I am pretty sure this makes me un-American or something.

Did you finish Friday night lights? Or are you watching now?

shaz said...

Here's a favourite kid's joke. "Why do you never go hungry at the beach?" A: Because of all the sand which is there :) I do love a good sandwich (BLT's are my personal favourite), but this devilled ham one sounds very, very good.

Joanne said...

I was definitely dabbling with the idea of making this sandwich for my review since I've never had deviled ham either! Looks like it turned out deliciously!

tasteofbeirut said...

You are right: a sandwich is such a custom food and I don't know one person who does not love them! Your version today is terrific.

Lucie said...

That cover shot is incredibly appealing. Good thing I'm having a sandwich for my picnic dinner, otherwise I would've had to make one as a snack :)

Lori said...

That sounds like an awesome sandwich. The next time I have some ham I will give it a go.

I remember when Susan posted a throw some sandwiches out to me post. I am so glad the book came to fruition. Or should I say sandwichtion?

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

Wow that is one mighty sandwich. I definitely love sandwiches, especially for when I'm on the go!

Anonymous said...

That looks like a breakfast for champions! I've only recently become a sandwich 'person', so I'm constantly looking out for new takes. This came just in time :)

Alicia Foodycat said...

I've never tried deviled ham, but that sounds really good!

Robin said...

Wow that is a blast from the past. When I was super little Ma packed deviled ham for my dad every day! I have got to make some and keep an eye out for that book.

oneordinaryday said...

What a yummy tribute to one of my faves.

The Teacher Cooks said...

Deviled ham is one of my favorites as well as Susan's blog! Well done Grace!

marla said...

Love Foodblogga!! It is essential that I get ahold of her book. I bet those photos by Matt and Adam are stunning too.

Juliana said...

Oh! Your sandwich looks very tempting...I just love when it is packed as you featured. Have a great week ahead Grace :-)

girls who like to gorge said...

Never tried it - but would absolutely love to! I must make this very soon!! xxxxxxxx

Chef Fresco said...

I am buying that book for the hubby! Sammies are our fave. I would eat them for every dinner if I could. And this one looks amazing!

Jaime said...

mmmm i've never even heard of deviled ham but you sure do make it look good :)

Deborah said...

I love Susan and can't wait to check out this cookbook. Your sandwich sounds amazing!