Sorry for the late notice, There is little more than a a few weeks left to enter. I wanted to let every sandwich lover out there know about a pretty fun contest being sponsored by Mezzetta’s (amazing company that is known for their olives, peppers and specialty italian foods). Mezzetta’s Make That Sandwich contest is looking for the best sandwich inspiration you can provide and will reward a winner with $25k and a trip to Napa!

To enter online, log on to www.mezzetta.com and look for the Contest entry icon. Fill in the entry form, including your original recipe, and follow the on screen directions to submit. Online entries must be submitted by Noon PST on September 7, 2009.

Get cracking! Here is some sandwich inspiration from adapted 2008 recipe entries…

NAPA VALLEY PICNIC SANDWICH

Marinated onions:
1 small red onion
4 T  red wine vinegar
1/4 c Mezzetta olive oil
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/2 t sugar
Sandwich:
1 c Mezzetta deli-sliced tamed jalapenos (drained)
1 c Mezzetta pitted Kalamata olives (drained & thinly sliced)
1 jar Mezzetta artichoke hearts (drained)
8 oz. salami
8 oz. Black Forest ham
1 c shaved parmesan
2 c mixed salad greens
1 baguette

Marinated onions:  Thinly slice the onion.  In a medium sized mixing bowl toss the onion with the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes. Sandwich: Slice the baguette into 4 equal size pieces, and begin to layer the salami and ham. Add the jalapenos, and olives. Once the onions have marinated, drain the liquid and add the onions to the sandwich. Finish with the artichoke hearts, mixed greens and shaved parmesan.

MEDITERRANEAN PANINI

6” piece of foccaccia (plain or rosemary, sliced ½” thick)
Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 c Mezzetta Brand Julienne Sun Dried Tomatoes
2 slices mozzarella
1 slice fontina
1/4 c Mezzetta Marinated Artichoke Hearts
2 T Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips
2 T Mezzetta Pitted Calamata Olives (cut in half)
Fresh basil

Preheat a panini grill according to the manufacturers directions.  Brush the inside of the foccaccia with olive oil, so that a thin layer is coating the inside of the bread.  Sprinkle the sun dried tomatoes on top of the bread.  Place the cheese on top of the tomatoes.  Top the cheese with the artichokes, peppers, and olives.   Place 4-5 leaves of fresh basil on top of the vegetables and press the sandwich together.  Lightly brush the outside of the bread with additional olive oil.  Place in the panini machine and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the bread is crisp, golden, and the cheese has melted.
-bryan

G.L. Mezzetta is one of the leading producers of glass-packed peppers and olives in the United States. Family-owned since 1935, the fourth generation of the Mezzetta family continues to produce high quality foods. Mezzetta sources fresh produce from California, Italy, Spain, France, and Greece and prepares it according to Italian family recipes at a state-of-the-art production facility in Napa Valley.