Raising the Root

My world doesn’t abide by standard 9 to 5 rules.  I run a small business, work as a freelance graphic artist, and have a large crazy dog who needs more supervision and attention than a 9 to 5 family could provide.  (Boy did he luck out finding suckers like us!)  In addition, the Hubby works four nights a week, so much of our quality time happens in the afternoon.  Rather than having a nice dinner out once a week, which seems to be the American norm, we tend to do lunch out instead.

For us, eating lunch out is actually quite nice.  Unlike 9to5ers, we are generally not in a hurry during lunch.  We aren’t running out between phone conferences, grabbing the fastest thing on the block.  We don’t have business meetings over lunch–there are no laptops and no sales pitches.  Instead, we have the luxury to take our time and read the paper, maybe do the crossword puzzle.  Our tabs tend to be pretty low, since we aren’t tempted by the wine list, and since lunch is served in smaller portions, it’s cheaper. Often we spend less on lunch out than we would have spent buying lunch fixings at the grocery store.  It’s also a great way to try that trendy new spot you have been curious about, or that crazy ethnic restaurant with the menu you can’t pronounce (the one you are a little afraid of, but still intrigued by) without blowing a lot of money or time on dinner.  I am a big fan of lunch.

On the days when we eat at home, however, our fallback plan is sandwiches.

His: Ham, turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato*, and mustard on whole grain toast.
Hers: Turkey, any cheese other than Swiss, lettuce, tomato*, and mayo on whole grain toast.
* Only if they are in season in the garden

Sometimes we mix it up with a bit of salami, and occasionally I get crazy and put some rare roast beef on there (none for him, thanks).  Sometimes, we will even ditch the lettuce and put them in the sandwich press.  Crazy–I know.  The Hubby can eat sandwiches every day and be perfectly happy.  I, however, get into a sandwich funk every so often.  I just get bored!  Usually my complaints of boredom are met with a mostly sarcastic, somewhat whiny “You don’t like my food!” (Insert eye roll.)

Recently, after one such conversation, we decided to go to Udi’s for lunch. When we arrived, the board with the special of the day wasn’t out, so we started perusing the regular menu.  As we were approaching the register to order, the board came out: Vietnamese pulled pork sandwich with carrots, jicama, cilantro, mint, basil… YES, PLEASE!  But, it’s a sandwich.  I am bored of sandwiches.  Can I justify ordering a sandwich out when the reason we went out in the first place was that I didn’t want a sandwich???  Of course there is no need to justify food–ever–but this raised the question: WHY have I let myself get into this sandwich rut?  I am creative in the kitchen. I can make a good sandwich!  Thus, my newest challenge for myself:  No more boring sandwiches!

The Magic Ingredients: Fresh Wild Arugula, an Apple, and Gouda Cheese

This recipe was inspired by some wild arugula that magically appeared in my garden (or more likely had reseeded itself last year–in any case, it was calling me).

Sweet & Peppery Turkey Sandwich

• 2 Slices whole grain bread, lightly toasted
• Stone Ground Mustard
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 3 to 4 Thin Slices Honey Roasted Turkey Breast
• 1/3 to 1/2 Small Apple, sliced thin (I used a Gala)
• 2 Slices Gouda
• Handful of Fresh Arugula

Spread mustard on one slice of toast, and sprinkle pepper over top.  Layer the rest of the ingredients, then top with the other slice of toast.

Sweet & Peppery Turkey Sandwiches

Bizarro coincidence:  oddly enough, the food section in the Denver Post today is about sandwiches:

Good Sandwich Making 101: Let’s begin with the basics

Tasty and terrific Denver sandwiches