By Kelly Jad'on

As a nation, we're living in brown bag times, brought on not just by the economy, but also by the return to homemade healthier foods. Alternative to PB & J are on the rise. Recently chef Tom Colicchio, the head judge of Bravo's reality show Top Chef, published 'wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich Into a Meal and a Meal Into a Sandwich.

The lover of all things between bread, Colicchio recalls that 58% of the meals eaten in his life have been sandwiches. He also writes that today's portions have grown to be "overstuffed." A sandwich, he adds, is a "compact meal," and it should be eaten slowly rather than quickly.

The beautiful creations of 'wichcraft appear in 100 photos, and emphasize quality breads, homemade condiments (think lemon confit, sicilian oregano, black olive mayo), and antibiotic- hormone-free meats. A typical recipe makes four sandwiches and is about more than just slapping meat between bread slices. There are even selections vegetarians will relish--no pun intended. And, any sandwich can become a salad with a quick substitution of greens for bread.

Sample Recipes:

Breakfast Sandwiches-- Kumquat-Rosemary Marmalade with Goat Cheese

Cool Sandwiches-- Lobster with Sweet Potato-Fennel Slaw and Tarragon Vinaigrette

Sweet Sandwiches-- Peanut Butter Cream 'Wich (looks like dessert)

Warm Sandwiches-- Fried Squid Po' Boy (great for calamari lovers!)

Vegetarian-- Roasted Pumpkin With Mozzarella and Hazelnut Brown Butter

'wichcraft includes recipes for the condiments, ideas for parties (think one-bite sandwiches), and innovative meals that even a kid would never reject. In fact, some of the sandwich creations came from inner city teens who have been trained in Tom's restaurants--Craft as part of the Fresh Air Fund. Their contribution--Marinated Eggplant with Chickpea Puree, Roasted Peppers, and Watercress.

Hints:

Store purchased mayonnaise contains sugar and will alter the flavor of a sandwich; make your own.

Tom recommends bakery made breads or parbaked frozen breads that you can bake yourself. Even a bread machine is suitable for this need.

A sandwich isn't a boring meal. With the right ingredients and recipe, it can become your favorite meal of the day and be a healthy alternative. Think of how many sandwiches you've eaten over the years. It's time to start brown bagging it again.

5 Stars

'wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich Into a Meal and a Meal Into a Sandwich (Clarkson Potter/ Mar 2009) by Tom Colicchio with Sisha Ortuzar

 Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites

 Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 by Lisa Lillien

Copyright © 2006-2009, Basil & Spice. All rights reserved.