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Hoo boy, was this week packed with wall-to-wall technical difficulties. From mics that die without indicating they have to my DSLR deciding halfway through a shot that it wanted to focus things differently. Still, we manage to get all the sandwiches in so there is that. This week there was only one In The Chips with Barry review and no Barry Is Cooking Again episodes (the day job has really ramped up!). Hope you enjoy this recap of the week. Oh, and I got a little write up in Foodbeast this week if you’re curious ⬇️

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The Sandwiches

Sunday, May 5, 2024
Pelona Poblana (Mexico)
International Sandwich Sunday

Original rating: 10
Plus up: None

What a way to kick off a week of sandwiches! The Pelona Poblana from Mexico was amazing. The braised, shredded beef was packed with flavor all by itself. But add in refried beans, shredded lettuce, Mexican crema, and salsa and you will want for nothing. Oh, and I almost forgot to sing the praises of the fried bread too. Sure, you could add avocado but really that would gilding the lily.

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Monday, May 6th, 2024
Christine’s After School Snack Sandwich
Our History

Original rating: 5.5
Plus up: Cowboy candy
Plussed up rating: 6

For this “sandwich of our history” I kept it close to home. In fact, I kept it in home. That’s because it was a sandwich that my lovely significant other, Christine, used to enjoy after school. It was pretty straightforward aside from the toasting then microwaving. Oh, and the buttering of the cheese. It wasn’t bad but definitely more of a kid snack than a sandwich you’d want to make and eat as an adult. The candied jalapeños helped elevate it a bit. Btw, Christine acknowledged that while this has a strong nostalgic pull, it isn’t something she’d otherwise make so I’m not exactly talking of school here.

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Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Queen Club Sandwich (1936)
1,001 Sandwiches

Original rating: 6.5
Plus ups: Black pepper, salt, and blue cheese | Black pepper, salt, blue cheese, and Bacon
Plussed up rating: 7.5 | 8.5

So, the Club Sandwich originated out of clubhouses in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Which means the myth that tries to claim that it is named for “chicken and lettuce under bacon” is unfortunately just, that a myth. There’s also a belief that bacon defines a club sandwich. That may be kinda true now but it certainly wasn’t for the early versions. In fact, the only consistency I can see is that each definitely featured toasted bread. And yep, I’ve got a chapter dedicated to Club Sandwiches in my upcoming cookbook. This version is a prime example of the a club sandwich without bacon. But the combo of sautéed mushrooms, chicken, and mayonnaise was still tasty. Adding in the blue cheese and seasoning made it extra nice. And yeah, with those flavors, I kinda had to add bacon, right?

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Spring has sprung! Time for some official (lol) Sandwiches of History gear!

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Walnut Picnic Sandwich (1914)
The Neighborhood Cook Book

Original rating: 4
Plus up: Zhoug Sauce
Plussed up rating: 6

Honestly, walnuts and mayonnaise are not a bad combo. But that combo does need a little something something more (aside from lettuce) Unfortunately, the good folks behind The Neighborhood Cook Book of 1914 did not agree. Fortunately, we have the luxury of being able to make Zhoug (or whichever spelling you perfer) sauce. Made with cilantro, cumin, cardamom, garlic, chile peppers, among other ingredients, this is one spicy but massively flavorful sauce. I can’t recommend the recipe linked above enough. If you don’t have the time or inclination, Trader Joe’s makes a good one as well.

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Thursday, May 9, 2024
Sausage and Olive Sandwich (1936)
1,001 Sandwiches

Original rating: 5
Plus up: Dill pickle relish
Plussed up rating: 6.5

When I first read the name on this one, I must admit I was not expecting it to call for summer sausage. But the combo of that with olives and mayonnaise was pretty good. The only problem was that the recipe called for equal parts of each. Which rendered this sandwich a bit mayonnaise-forward. To take that down a notch, I opted for some dill pickle relish and the bright acidity did the trick. So much so that it went from a sandwich I don’t think I’d make again to one I probably will. Albeit with a touch less mayonnaise.

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Friday, May 3, 2024
Tomato Club Sandwich (1923)
College Woman’s Cook Book

Original rating: 6.5
Plus up: Slap Ya Mama Hot Cajun seasoning blend
Plussed up rating: 7.5

Did I mention that not all club sandwiches have bacon? Because here’s yet another example. Toast, ham, mayonnaise, tomato, mayonnaise, toast, tomato, mayonnaise, and green bell pepper. The flavor wasn’t bad but yet again we find ourselves with a mayonnaise-forward sandwich! This time, though, the toast help to offset the richness a bit. But instead of acidity to cut the rest of the richness I opted for spices and heat from the unfortunately named Slap Ya Mama Hot Cajun seasoning blend. Did the trick nicely

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Saturday, May 11, 2024
Exchange Sandwich (1918)
Economical Cookery

Original rating: 6.5
Plus up: Thai sweet chili sauce
Plussed up rating: 7.5

We wrapped up this week with the 1918 version of a chopped sandwich. The combination of flavors between the ham, green bell pepper, onion, etc. was pretty good. The texture was…ok. I think I’d prefer this to be hand chopped. Added a little Thai sweet chili sauce that brought the sweet heat which worked nicely with all the savory ingredients.

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On the menu next week (subject to change, natch):
Monday 5/13 - Super Sandwich 1982Tuesday 5/14 - PB & Grape Sandwich (our history )
Wednesday 5/15 - Hot Mushroom Sandwich 1941
Thursday 5/16 - Conservation Sandwich 1918
Friday 5/17 - Guest Host Friday!
Saturday 5/18 - Bicycle Sandwich 1901
Sunday 5/19 - Bully Beef Sandwich (Jamaica)

In The Chips with Barry

Ngl, it is kind of a bummer when there’s only on review and it ain’t great. But hey, they can’t all be home runs, right?

Miss Vickie’s Applewood Smoked BBQ Potato Chips

If you’ve been following In The Chips with Barry for the past, what is it, 6 years(?!) you know I dig Miss Vickie’s potato chips. Great potatoes, great crunch, and an excellent balance of flavor. Well, not this time around. No, this time there was a whisper of BBQ flavor. They still had the great crunch and great potato flavor but ya gotta bring the flavor on the bag. Some folks have shared that they loved these so it may be that I just happened on a dud bag. Guess I’ll have to re-visit some time to be sure.

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Thanks for again for following Sandwiches of History (and for subscribing to this recap!)

Have a great week!

Cheers!
Barry
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