Banish Boring Sandwiches

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Mar 28, 2013) - (Family Features) It's time to break out of your ordinary lunch routine and make boring turkey sandwiches a thing of the past. With a few innovative tricks, you can turn any regular sandwich into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Versatile and delicious, a sandwich is perfect for any occasion, whether you're sitting down with the family or packing for a lunch on the go. And you don't have to be a professional chef to take a classic sandwich and turn it into a tasty meal. Try these simple tips and recipes to help boost your creativity in the kitchen:

• There are things better than sliced bread: Give your sandwich a makeover by piling your favorite fixings on a better bread option, such as focaccia or whole wheat pita. The sky's the limit -- try waffles for a sweet and savory treat.
  
  
• Embrace open-face: Load the toppings on each slice of bread, then pop the two sides into the toaster oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.
  
  
• Smart substitutions: Lose the calories, but keep the taste of your favorite BLT by using new Hidden Valley Bacon Ranch sandwich spread instead of mayo -- you'll get all the same flavor with a third of the calories.
  
  
• Repurpose your leftovers: Make extra meat and vegetables for dinner, and use them for tomorrow's lunch by placing leftovers between two pieces of your favorite bread.
  
  
• Turkey sandwiches don't have to be boring: Add walnuts, avocado or apple slices to jazz up a childhood favorite.
  
  
• Go veggie: For the perfect Meatless Monday, try a sandwich on whole wheat bread with slices of avocado and tomato, topped with your favorite cheese -- an instant vegetarian masterpiece.
  
  

For more ways to turn a sandwich into something unexpectedly craveable, visit. http://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/details/?detail=Products.

Stir together chicken, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, basil and sandwich spread. Spoon onto wrap and spread to edges; roll up. For entertaining, slice into 1-inch pinwheels.

For best performance in panini maker, brush outside of each slice of bread with olive oil. Spread other side of bread with sandwich spread. Top with turkey, cheese and pepper strips. Close sandwich and cook for 4 to 5 minutes in panini maker or on griddle, until cheese is melted. If desired, pull open and add lettuce before serving.

In large nonstick skillet, stir-fry onion and pepper in oil for 5 minutes. Add pork and cook for 5 more minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in sandwich spread. Serve spicy pork mixture on buns.

Flake salmon; stir in shallots, celery and lemon juice. Add sandwich spread and gently stir to combine. Fill pockets with salmon mixture and lettuce slice.

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