Sandwich On!

The IC just told me the other night that he is planning to try to go vegetarian starting after February 6th. I am so proud of him and I really want to help him succeed and enjoy the process.

I don’t think he’s doing it just to please me – he’s always been very respectful of my food choices, and he likes a lot of vegan fare, but eliminating animal products from one’s diet, while essentially simple, can be very hard. Food is more than fuel for most humans. For example, there are many holiday dishes that people associate with happy family occasions, and it might be very difficult to tell your grandmother that it would be unethical for you to eat her non-vegan Christmas cookies that she made especially for you. People assume you’re judging them, and nobody likes that. Arguments. Hurt feelings. And worst of all...sometimes there's just no dessert for you.

The IC has heard many, many rants (probably many more than he would like) about the benefits of a plant-based diet. I think his decision is based on several factors – ethics, food costs, the environment, and overall health, for example. I know I get a little ranty on this blog, but for now I'm just going to focus on sandwiches. If you would like a rant, just let me know and I'll be happy to provide one. OK, on to the IC and his impending vegetarian experiment.

Since I do much of the cooking, the IC regularly has vegan dinners. He rarely eats breakfast, but when he does, vegan pancakes/waffles/French toast, tofu scramble, vegan sausages, and a variety of other items are completely OK with him. Snacks are also easy.

I think the biggest challenge is lunch. The IC needs packable, portable lunches that can be taken into the field or the office and enjoyed with a minimum of fuss. The obvious solution is sandwiches.

This is where the difficulties really start. The IC is from Pennsylvania and PA is one of the Deli States. The Deli States take sandwich traditions seriously – and there are no veggie options in the traditional deli lexicon. BLTs, Reubens, Monte Cristos, Cheesesteaks, Pastrami, Salami, Meatballs, Tuna Salad…the list goes on and on, but with nary a veggie option in sight. Deliciousness is important, and the deliciousness must last from the moment the sandwich is created until lunchtime, which may be many hours later.

So, in honor of the IC, I am beginning a sandwich series. I will post failed attempts and successful recipes, along with the IC’s impressions. Although I have been vegan for many years, I rarely eat sandwiches, and so I have no current sandwich recipes. If you have a fabulous vegetarian sandwich that is not-to-be-missed, by all means, let me know! I'd love to try it! I've gathered some ideas, and I'm excited to try them out.

Off to the test kitchens…Sandwich On!