Fifi’s Cuban Sandwich

I love making Cuban Sandwiches, especially in the spring it makes a light but filling dinner. I first tasted Cuban Sandwiches in a small cafe in the town of Ponce Puerto Rico Over the years of making Cuban Sandwiches I have adjusted the ingredients to suit my taste. I use honey mustard instead of regular yellow mustard because I prefer the balance of flavor between the sweet and sour taste.

I also like adding the pickle juice when an old Cuban friend of mine suggested I try it with the pickle juice, Amazing difference more of an authentic taste.

For the Pork nothing compares to leftover pork from my Sunday Pork Roast., The Bread I have tried a lot of variety and find that the authentic Cuban bread made by the Publix Supermarkets Bakery to be the closest to the real thing unless you can find a local Cuban bakery. The ham I prefer a sweet or honey ham or a black forest ham works great also.

Below is my Cuban Sandwich recipe give it a try and let me know what you think.

Cheers!! Don’t forget my Mango ice tea makes for a great accompanying drink. Find this and other recipes on my web site http://www.caribbeanculinarytours.com

A Spring Treat: “Fifi’s Cuban Sandwich”

1 (2-foot loaf Cuban Bread or French Bread)

2 Tablespoon Mayonnaise

2 Tablespoon Honey Mustard

1/2 Pound Swiss cheese

1/2 Pound sweet Ham thinly sliced

1/2 Pound roast Pork or lean Spanish style Pork

thin sweet pickle slices ( reserve 1 Tablespoon of pickle juice)

Pre-heat sandwich press or large skillet ( I use the George Foreman’s grill) to 300 degrees

Cut the loaf of bread in thirds, Then Cut in two horizontally. Remove a small portion of the bread from the middle half of the loaf.

Combine Mayonnaise and mustard with the reserved pickle juice in a small bowl, and spread the mixture evenly on both sides of the bread.

Layer 2-3 cheese slices on the bottom half of each of the bread portions followed by the ham and pork. Layer the pickle slices on top of the pork followed with 2-3 more cheese slices top with the other half of the bread and press sandwich down with hands lightly.

Spray the grill pan with some non- stick spray or pre-heated grill or skillet, and place the sandwich pieces on Top ( I place lengthwise for a few minutes and then turn cross side this keeps the halves together and prevents slipping)

Press down on the sandwich with the sandwich press or heavy cast iron pan, cook for about 5 minutes until sandwich is heated through and cheese is melted, remove from heat

Serves 6 persons.

By Freda Gore

Caribbean Culinary Tours
http://www.caribbeanculinarytours.com

Phone: 615 609 5421