Happy National Bread Month ~ Celebrating 250th Anniversary of the Sandwich

Out of all of the anniversaries this country celebrates throughout the year, one truly stands out as unique, yet very important — National Bread Month (in the month of November).

I know what you’re thinking… why is that one SO important? Well, is there really anything cooler or more useful than sliced bread? We use it nearly every day and it comes in many forms and flavors. Plus it’s mighty tasty! Of course the importance lies in the fact that bread is the foundation of any sandwich.

My pantry is always stocked with different types of bread — white, wheat, Italian, cinnamon swirl, multi-grain, and more. Savory and sweet, I can never pick just one.

What’s cool about bread is how quickly it changes just by adding different varieties of ingredients. It’s SO versatile — you can truly make it your own.

My favorite is a turkey & bacon sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese and mayo (slightly toasted). Yum!

A true classic!

Sandwiches are one of the easiest, most versatile and convenient ways to make a healthy meal for yourself and your family. The complex carbohydrates in bread and other grain-based foods provide lasting energy our bodies need on a daily basis. So, why not start the day off with a tasty egg sandwich that’s full of fresh grilled veggies? With that you get grains, protein plus vitamins from the veggies — the perfect recipe for a well energized day!

And then there’s lunch-time sandwiches. My kids have always loved a mean peanut butter & jelly sandwich. hehee! Hubby always opts for a turkey and cheese sandwich with mustard. When I’m pressed for time I like grilling a mozzarella and sliced tomato sandwich. It’s SO good, not to mention low in fat because I’m nixing the fatty condiments altogether.

For dinner, my tummy always yearns for a grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese and mayo on a multi-grain bun sandwich. Oh my are those GOOD!

I also love a good fajita…

How about a chicken fajita sandwich? Yep, you can do that too!

Sandwiches can also be fun. I like to mix things up for different occasions like holidays and birthdays and use cookie cutters to shape my kids’ sandwiches — hearts for Valentines Day, pumpkins for Halloween, stars for Christmas… you get the idea. Just cut the bread, meats, even cheeses into the different shapes and top with other yummy ingredients, if desired. It’s really simple but they always put a smile on my kids’ faces (no matter what age they are) and it lets them know mom thinks they’re pretty special.

HERE’S MORE FACTS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT BREAD TRULY IS:

• Bread and grain foods provide many essential nutrients for our bodies and help fight heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
• Whole grains are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates and are low in fat
• Enriched grains are one of the major sources of iron and folic acid in our diet.

A Star Is Born…

Do you know where the sandwich concept actually originated? In 1762 Sir John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, didn’t want to put his cards down in the middle of a poker game so he asked for meat to be served between two slices of bread and thus the sandwich was born!

You learn something new every day, right? hehee!

“it’s the greatest thing since.. sliced bread!”

* Facts were obtained from the Grain Foods Foundation

~ I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. ~

© 2012, Dee @ Bella Savvy. All rights reserved.

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