'wichcraft

My morning began with a quick trip downtown to Tom Colicchio's sandwich spot, aptly named 'wichcraft.  I often like to try new sandwich varieties here, as the flavor and quality of each is superb; but my favorite (which has retained the top spot for years) is their "heritage smoked ham and cheddar" sandwich.  I also tried the fried egg sandwich which was pretty darn good too!  Thanks to Tom Colicchio's ingenious idea, both of these sandwiches are also featured in the 'wichcraft cookbook.  Here are the recipes in case you don't get a chance to go to one of their sandwich shops.  

Fried egg sandwich:
Ingredients:
8 thick slices bacon
4 ciabatta rolls
4 tbsp gorgonzola
2 cups frisée
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
8 large eggs
salt and pepper to taste
(makes 4 sandwiches)

Method:

1) cook bacon in skillet until crisp over medium-high heat and

   transfer to paper towel to drain

2) slice ciabatta rolls in half, spread 1 tbsp of gorgonzola
   each

   bottoms slice and toast in oven

3) toss frisée in oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper

4) melt butter and fry eggs over medium-high, flipping halfway

   through so yolks are nearly cooked through, and season with
   salt

   and pepper

5) remove bread from oven once toasted and cheese has melted

6) place eggs, bacon and frisée on top of the gorgonzola and top

   with bread

7) serve and enjoy

Although the fried egg sandwich was very tasty, nothing tops 'wichcraft's delectable combination of cheese, ham and pear in this grilled cheese sandwich.  I can't wait to make it for myself one of these days! 

Ingredients:

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup cider vinegar

1 piece star anise

1 tsp black peppercorns

2 whole cloves

pinch of red pepper flakes

1/2 cinnamon stick

2 bartlett pears (cut into 1/8 inch slices)

8 slices sharp vermont cheddar cheese

8 slices cranberry pecan bread

8 slices smoked ham

2 tsp dijon mustard 

(makes 4 sandwiches)

Method:  

1) combine first seven ingredients with 2/3 cup water in saucepan

   and bring to a boil

2) reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes

3) add pears, making sure liquid is still simmering, and cook 2-3

   minutes until tender

4) remove mixture from heat and let cool

5) place 1 slice of cheddar, 1 slice of ham and 4-6 pear slices on 4

   pieces of bread each

6) top with remaining cheese and 4 remaining slices of bread after

   spreading them with mustard

7) place in (preheated) sandwich press, close lid and apply light

   pressure

8) cook 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even

   cooking, until cheese is melted and bread becomes golden brown

9) remove when fully cooked, cut in half, and devour

A sandwich is never just a couple ingredients wedged between two pieces of bread.  Sometimes I find these bundles of flavor more delicious than traditional meals, and often, for a much lower price!