Whether it is a down-to-earth BLT, a stuffed pitta, a huge American sub or a dainty cucumber creation, the humble sandwich is one snack we all enjoy. We take a look at its history and share sandwich recipes.
1. Sandwiches started off as food for gamblers. It was named after the Earl of Sandwich after be ordered some beef between two pieces of toasted bread so that he could continue playing cards while he ate, and after that people started ordering "the same as Sandwich". Other accounts say he ordered it while hard at work in his study. Food historians are keen to point out he didn't invent the sandwich, but rather came across the concept during his travels in the Eastern Mediterranean, where he saw Greeks and Turks eat pitta with meat and other ingredients. In fact, the tradition of placing bitter herbs, fruit and spices between two pieces of matzoh dates back to the first century (now known as the Hillel sandwich after Rabbi Hillel, who ate the first recorded sandwich). However, the Earl did elevate the sandwich from a peasant's food to one fit for aristocracy.
2. When the sandwich was first introduced to the US, it was promoted as an elaborate evening meal; Elizabeth Leslie, an English woman, introduced them to American palates in 1840. In her recipe book she has a recipe for a ham sandwich.
3. Chicken salad is the UK's favourite sandwich, while ham is the most popular in the US. Peanut butter and jelly is another favourite American institution, first eaten by US soldiers, constructed out of their rations.
4. The famous Club Sandwich: chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise, originated in American country clubs in the late 1890s. It was a favourite of Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.
5. The record for creating the most expensive sandwich ever made is claimed by chef Tom Bridge, whose Lancaster Cheese Sandwich was sold on ebay in 2006 for £345. The creation included white Umbrian truffles at £1,700 per kilo.
Sharon Campbell
What's your favourite sandwich? Leave a comment below!