I love Food Contests, yep I watch them on food network all the time. Even though I've yet to win, I keep entering. It's fun and I get to come up with new recipes in the process.
Here is the latest from Mezzetta:
$25,000 Make That Sandwich contest (www.mezzetta.com), and that its deadline is fast approaching (Labor Day). The winner receives a culinary trip to Napa in addition to the $25k, and two runner ups win $1,000 – not bad for a sandwich recipe! The sponsor of the contest is GL Mezzetta, a family-owned specialty food producer, best known for their peppers and olives. I have to say that my lunches have been a lot more flavorful (and healthy) since we started working with them.
This was the winner of last year’s sandwich: http://www.makethatsandwich.com/winners/hot_sandwich.php, and although tasty, I am sure you and your readers can give it a run for the money. You can enter your favorite sandwich recipe(s) in three categories: cold sandwich, hot sandwich, and vegetarian.
Here is last year's winner, yum!
Spanish-Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich
with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping (Hot Sandwich)
Recipe Category: Hot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices peasant bread or other artisan bread
3 cups shredded Manchego cheese
3 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto
Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping:
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 to 4 tablespoons MEZZETTA Extra Virgin Olive Oil - divided
1 tablespoons MEZZETTA Crushed Garlic
1 cup MEZZETTA Roasted Red Pepper Strips
1 cup MEZZETTA Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro
Directions:
For Topping: Whisk together vinegar, paprika, 1 tablespoon MEZZETTA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and MEZZETTA Crushed Garlic in bowl. Add MEZZETTA Roasted Red Pepper Strips, MEZZETTA Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and parsley (or cilantro); tossing to coat.
For Sandwiches: Sprinkle 4 slices of bread with half the cheese. Top with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping and ham. Apply the remaining cheese as another layer. Top with a second piece of bread and press together.
Brush sandwiches with remaining MEZZETTA Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat in a panini press or skillet until lightly browned on both sides and cheese has melted. Serve hot.
Makes 4 sandwiches