I’m not a big sandwich eater any more (trying to cut out the bread you know), but sometimes I want something big and hearty, especially as the weather gets cooler.

Steak and salad pair beautifully, so why not marry them in a delicious sandwich slathered with spicy Sriracha mayonnaise?

I used my vinaigrette dressing on the salad, but you can use your favorite. The same goes for the Sriracha mayo: if you don’t have any Sriracha or don’t like it, a simple Dijon mustard also tastes magical.

This sandwich is also a great way to use leftovers. But flank steak cooks so fast on top of the stove or on the grill, it’s a quickie dinner option.

Hmmm… I might have to re-consider my self-imposed bread-ban.

Do you eat sandwiches for dinner?

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Don’t throw out those last few pieces of leftover Thanksgiving Turkey… make some Turkey Cubano Sandwiches for everyone… or just for yourself!

I’ve been to Cuba and used to live in Miami so, believe me, I know the debate that rages over not only what makes a true Cubano Sandwich but how to make a Cubano Sandwich.

This much everyone agrees on: A Cubano Sandwich is not a Panini. It is pressed on a sandwich press called a plancha (which is similar to a Panini press but without the grooved edges). I’ve improvised a plancha over the years (see below). Don’t laugh. It really works. (But, yes, you can use a Panini maker). Regardless, what you want to end up with is a thin hot sandwich oozing with cheesy goodness.

This much is also true: The sandwich ingredients are roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, thinly sliced dill pickles and, of course, Cuban bread (which looks like French bread, but is slightly sweet). I can’t find Cuban bread where I live, and I’m too frazzled right now to make it, so I use French bread (but never a baguette) or a bolillo. I scoop out a little of the bread on the inside so it isn’t too “bready.” Oh, and I add a little mustard to my Cubano, even though purists will object.

Pretty easy, very delicious and the perfect way to wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday… finally!

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Homemade Plancha to press the Sandwich!

Don’t just reheat your Thanksgiving leftovers. Re-purpose them.

And exactly what does mama mean by that? Well, “leftovers” is just re-heating something you served the day before…”re-purposing” means taking the previous day’s meal and whipping it into a completely new dish!

So, instead of boring Turkey Sandwiches, try:

• Turkey Rueben

• Turkey Monte Cristo

• Turkey Cuban Sandwich

• Turkey Grilled Cheese

Don’t forget to slap some cranberry sauce in there if you have any left.

For a quick and easy dinner:

• Turkey Tacos, Quesadillas or Tostadas

• Turkey Caesar Salad (I’m sure you’ve already thought of this)

• Turkey Mac and Cheese (homemade Mac and Cheese or out of the box)

• Turkey Fettucini Alfredo

Feeding the fam leftovers is a lot easier if they don’t think they are eating leftovers. I guess wearing a disguise always makes things, shall we say, more interesting…. Ahemmm.

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Had a big shindig the other night and we had a few leftover baked potatoes.

Which got me to thinking… there’s a lot you can do with a leftover baked potato, besides reheat it and eat it as is.

Here are 7 ideas: 

1. Sautéed Skillet Potatoes: Cut into pieces and sauté in olive oil with garlic and chopped onion. Sprinkle cheese on top just before serving (great anytime of the day!).

2. Twice-Baked Potatoes: Halve, spoon out the inside, mash and mix with shredded cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Re-fill and bake until hot.

3. Make an Omelet: Remove potato skin and dice the potato, add ham/bacon (or not) cheese and any other leftover deliciousness you find in the fridge.

4. Top a Meatloaf: Remove the skin, mash; add some herbs, butter and cheese and heat. Spread on top of the meatloaf (like frosting) just before serving.

5. Use in a Salad: Cube peeled potatoes and use in a traditional potato salad, salad Niçoise, or chopped vegetable salad with Dijon vinaigrette.

6. Fill an Empanada: A little cooked chorizo, queso fresco and chopped potatoes. Make it easier and use won ton wrappers to make low-fat mini-empanadas.

7. Burritos or Tacos: Mix diced potatoes with seasoned and cooked ground beef , chopped chicken, or chorizo.

What do YOU do with leftover baked potatoes?