The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches is Released Today!

Hundreds of millions of you who read this post today will also eat a sandwich. OK, maybe hundreds of millions of you won't read this post (it is a Tuesday, after all), but you will eat a sandwich.

Will it be a classic breakfast sandwich of tender eggs, melty cheese and crisp bacon on a toasted English muffin? A humble lunchtime ham and cheese? Perhaps it'll be a delightfully gloppy Sloppy Joe with the kids for dinner.

Everyone loves sandwiches. That's because they are among the most democratic of foods. They can be eaten in your car at lunchtime and over the kitchen sink at midnight. They can be a quick snack or a bona fide meal. Decadent or plain, six inches or six feet, sandwiches have always been filling, unfussy, honest food.

The New Yawk Reuben 

Now, there is an entire book dedicated to the glorious sandwich: Today is the official release date of The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, written by yours truly. It was a labor of love and gluttony. (I gained five pounds while testing the sandwiches and had to upsize, um, upgrade my skinny jeans.)

The book shares recipes, history and trivia for 110 beloved sandwiches and includes over 400 variations. Each sandwich, as you can see from the images here, is accompanied by a full-color, gorgeous photo beautifully styled by Adam C. Pearson and photographed by Matt Armendariz of Matt Bites. Thank you, gentlemen, for your talent, creativity and hunger!

Wine-worthy Prosciutto and Fig Sandwich

The book would never have been as tasty without the guidance of my editor, Margaret McGuire. Thank you for your support, wisdom and humor. Many thanks to Jenny Kraemer for her fresh, stylish design and to sandwich aficionados Jane Morley and Alenxandra Bitzer for their research and editorial support.

Thank you, Food Blogga readers, for your encouragement and support. You are fabulous! Finally, thanks to my dad thanks for proudly telling every person in Rhode Island about this book. To my mom for happily testing every recipe in this book. And to Jeff, for eating every sandwich in this book. Often more than once. And for never complaining when his jeans got tight.

Pulled Pork Sandwich -- Oink! Oink! 

In The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, you'll find cherished classics such as Peanut Butter and Jelly, Fluffernutter and the Muffuletta as well as perky up-and-comers including The Cubano, the Artisanal Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the Vietnamese Banh Mi.

The Mexican Torta. Get ready to unbutton your jeans. 

Regional favorites such as Hawaii's Spamwich, New Orleans's Po' Boy and Pittsburgh's Primanti are included along with quirky creations such as The Potato Chip Sandwich, The Chow Mein Sandwich and The Doughnut Sandwich.

The virtuous Veggie Sandwich

Belly-busters such as the Italian Hoagie, The Muffuletta and the all-American Jucy Lucy, or "inside-out" cheeseburger, share space with Skinny Sandwiches including the Grilled Portobello Sandwich, the Salmon Sandwich and The Roasted Vegetable Panini.

We all scream for Ice Cream Sandwiches!

You didn't think we'd leave out desserts, did you? The book has several sweet options including the kid-friendly Banana Split Sandwich, the adult-friendly Nutella Sandwich and everyone's favorite frosty treat, the Ice Cream Sandwich.

Whether you're a carnivore, vegetarian or omnivore, you'll find plenty of tasty options between sliced bread in The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread (April 5, 2011). Published by Quirk Books and distributed by Random House, Inc.

Share this post