Skillet Toasted Spinach Mushroom Sandwich

The sun is peeking out, the wind is warming up. Spring is in the air...and that's what you're hearing everywhere. So, I won't be repetitive!!

Hah! That was such a mean way to start a post. But, all said and done this season does inspire you to 'get-fresh'(?)! With so much of feeling-good-about-the-day happening, I could not stop myself from dishing out something easy, healthy and filling for lunch. I just put together some spinach and mushrooms with a couple spices in a pan to make a delicious filling and slathered it along-side a wee bit of cheese (just to bind it all together) on a whole wheat flat bread. Voila! Lunch for two, under 20 minutes!

And, who is the two we're talking about? My sonny boy and me of course. This was a hit with him. I added extra cheese on his sandwich because these kids sure know to burn their calories. Fast!

Masala Chicken Burgers

It's been a while since I made these now. Over a month really. Somehow, I got too carried away posting cakes and bakes and these drool-worthy fellas sat on the back burners, awaiting their chance to get published on SSTT.

Would'nt it be a shame on me if I had not tried making burgers at home living in the country that almost eats them as a staple meal? What had me running to fetch the ingredients for the same was the show - The Next Food Network Star. Why? This showcased competitors (chefs or otherwise) who'd compete to win a show on the network. Nice, eh? I had my eyes on one participant - Aarti Sequiera, an Indian, who was mixing Indian flavours onto American classics with so much ease, that I simply HAD to do something on those lines at home. Thanks Aarti, for the inspiration! The outcome - Juicy Indo-American Chicken Burgers! Oh and yes Aarti won the challenge and hosts her show on Food Network. She's already had 3 episodes on TV and she sure rocks! Check out her page here. And, when you're done, read up my recipe!

Now, stop drooling and grab those ingredients. This one's so easy, you could be eating it even before you think.

Gone Clubbing

There were those days when we went out sometime in the evening to my Dad's Billiard's Club back in Bangalore. It would be too early for supper and too late for lunch. Yet, we would crave to eat something from the delicious menu the Club Kitchen had to offer. In most cases we would settle in for a ...well you got it, Club sandwich. Hmm, guess that's how it got its name?!? Well, I don't know too much about that, but if there is anything I know, its my version of a healthy toasted club sandwich. I normally have this at lunch time, but you could have it just about anytime you crave a crunchy, filling meal. Trust me, it doesn't get easier than this!

Ingredients

3 slices - White Bread (You can use whole grain to make it healthier, but clubs taste best with white)
3/4 Cup - Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
2 slices - Large Tomatoes
4 slices - Large Red Onions
1 tbsp - Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing (I've used Ranch dressing)
1/2 tsp - Mustard sauce
1/2 tsp - Tomato Ketchup (I've used Maggie Hot n Sweet - Available in Indian stores)
A slice of Cheese (Optional. I've skipped this.)
A pinch of pepper
And, of course, some salt to taste!!

Method
- Toast the bread slices. Skip this step if you like soft sandwiches. I toast them so they wont get soggy
- Mix ketchup and mustard in a bowl. Spread it on one side of a toasted slice
- Assemble veggies on this in the order you like and sprinkle salt and pepper. Leave lettuce some for the next layer
- Stash on another slice of bread. Top with cheese and left over lettuce
- Cover with the last slice and press down to put everything together
- Cut in half, diagonally

Serving Suggestion
You could add a veggie/meat patty to make this a complete meal.

SERVES 2 (as a snack)

This yummy snack is off to Mahima's Cooking Basics Event @ Indian Vegetarian Kitchen.