Guest Author - Catherine Bridges
Here's a fast, fun, yet healthy idea for a quick evening meal on those nights when you just don't feel like cooking a separate entree with sides and vegetables. This open-face sandwich is also very versatile. There are many variations that will make this even more interesting each time you change the recipe!
Hamdingers 'n' Cheese (Basic Recipe)
1 10-oz. package frozen broccoli in cheese sauce
2 English muffins, split and toasted
8 slices fully cooked ham
Prepare broccoli in cheese sauce according to directions on package. Meanwhile, spread English muffin halves with mustard.
Building your hamdinger, open face sandwich:
Place muffin halves on two individual plates. Place two slices fully cooked ham on each muffin half. Spoon hot broccoli-cheese mixture over ham and serve. Makes two main dish servings.
Here are some exchanges that will make all the difference and turn this simple meal into an interesting sandwich fit for any occasion or guest:
Exchange the broccoli for peas, snow peas, snap peas or green beans.
Add the zest of garlic to the veggies as you cook them and before adding the cheese sauce.
Add just a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty surprise.
Add two tablespoons of rotel (chopped tomatoes, onions and green chilis) to the cheese sauce.
Marinate the fully cooked ham slices in a honey-mustard mixture and grill before adding to the English muffin.
Try dijon mustard; a zesty aoili (mayo and a favorite spice); salsa; chutney or chow-chow as a condiment for this open sandwich.
Substitute the meats, try thin-sliced ruffles of roast beef; thinly sliced turkey or chicken breast or even better - a thinly sliced prosciutto or serrano ham. Yum!!!
Adding additional elements to this sandwich will make it an original special to your household. For instance, I added thinly sliced, fried onion rings to the very top of this sandwich. It gave height, crunch and a little decadence to this sandwich. Others have used duck sauce and then, added thin slices of water chestnuts and chow mein noodles to the top for an asian flair. Or, perhaps pico de gallo and serve on toasted tortillas rather than English Muffins for a mexican flavor.
I would be most interested in hearing about YOUR own adaptations and how your guests/family enjoyed this great, quick, mealtime sandwich.
