Summertime and Sandwiches are Easy!

 

So it’s officially Summer! It sure is good there is a calendar to tell us about it. I guess the 100 degree weather wasn’t really a clue. I live in Arizona so it’s hot about 6 months out of the year and I’ve gotten pretty good at finding ways to stay cool. One very simple way, is to simply stay inside and try not to do anything to add heat to an already overworked air conditioner. To me that means stove top meals, salads and lots of sandwiches. Ah, with an abundance of fresh fruit and herbs the possibilities are overwhelming.

My herb garden is in full swing and starting to flower so it’s time to either dry the herbs or find new ways to use them. It’s my second year with an herb garden and I am trying to get used to the fact that herbs go from tiny little plants to huge bushes in what seems like overnight. Everything seems to simply happen at once. One day you barely have enough and the next day you are overwhelmed. I know, I know, we all have problems!

I decided since I like basil and strawberries, a sandwich which incorporates them both would be great and what’s not to love about smoky provolone cheese and turkey. Add a little heat from some cayenne and smoked paprika. All the tastes of summer in one little sandwich!

 

 

Smoked Turkey and Balsamic Strawberry Blast Off

2 slices Italian bread

2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

1 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon mayo
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne
3 thinly sliced strawberries
¼ cup fresh basil
2 slices cooked bacon
1oz smoked Provolone cheese, sliced
2oz deli smoked turkey, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg

1) Spread butter lightly on one side of bread.

2) Combine balsamic vinegar, oil, mayo, paprika and cayenne. Spread mixture on unbuttered side of each slice of bread.

3) Place single slice of bread, butter side down in a large skillet over low heat. Top with turkey, provolone cheese and bacon. Top with basil, strawberries and the other slice of bread so buttered side is up. Cook sandwich until browned, pressing sandwich lightly so all ingredients are somewhat combined. Flip sandwich and continue to cook until the other side is golden brown. Combine powdered sugar and nutmeg. Place sandwich on serving plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar mixture. Enjoy! 

Pungent basil, fresh strawberries, spicy cayenne and smoky provolone cheese will awaken your senses to a fresh, sweet, sassy taste on a glorious summer afternoon. Be awakened, come alive and blast off to the wonderful flavors of the fresh summer harvest!