Tips to making a winning sandwich, Could you use $25,000?
We know you're going to have fun creating that (potentially) $25,000 sandwich! And we imagine you may have some questions. Here are a few answers that may help. If you have additional questions, feel free to email Olive below.
- How can I get ideas about making a prize-winning sandwich?
- Can you explain the sandwich categories in detail?
- How are the winners selected?
- Are hot dog and hamburger recipes eligible?
How can I get ideas about making a prize-winning sandwich?
Read culinary magazines. Experiment with family and friends. Get acquainted with the range of Mezzetta products. Our sandwich contest rules stipulate that you may include any Mezzetta product in your creations (after all, this is the MEZZETTA Make That Sandwich Contest!). Check out www.mezzetta.com for products and ideas. We suggest our new Deli-Sliced line which we invented especially for sandwich making. But you have LOTS to choose from. How about our famous Peperoncinis, or our new Italian Giardiniera Vegetable Mix or Deli-Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers? We're sure you have some ideas already in mind (Peanut Butter, Banana & Tamed Jalapeño Paninis anybody?).
Here are some other tips:
- Be creative and have fun!
- Check out www.mezzetta.com for ingredient inspiration.
- Look to your favorite dishes for inspiration. For example, if you're a huge fan of Spaghetti and Meatballs with Napa Valley Bistro Homestyle Marinara Sauce, why not make it into a sandwich?
- Think of a catchy and descriptive name. Example from last year, My Big Fat Greek Pita.
- Follow the rules. Be sure to list ingredients in the order they will be used and that your step-by-step procedure mentions the ingredients in the same order they are listed.
- Don't forget to include at least two Mezzetta Brand, Napa Valley Bistro, Deli-Sliced or Kona Coast products.
- Double check your recipe before you submit it to make sure you've followed the rules.
- Submit multiple recipes. The more you enter the better your chances. We want to see you in the Napa Valley!
Can you explain the sandwich categories in detail?
Sure. This should help:
Hot: Any sandwich that is served completely warmed (not just on toasted bread). Can include paninis, pressed sandwiches, grilled sandwiches or any sandwich where all the ingredients are warmed in the oven or microwave such as a Hot Turkey with Gravy or a breakfast sandwich.
Cold: Any sandwich made with ingredients served cold. The sandwich may be served on toast and can include ingredients such as bacon, cooked sausage or cooked vegetables such as grilled onions providing that the entire sandwich is not heated when served. For example a B-L-T would be considered a cold sandwich, while a Grilled B-L-T with Cheese would be considered a hot sandwich.
Vegetarian: A sandwich using no meat or fish ingredients. Can include cheese or eggs.
*Sandwiches can be made with two pieces of bread or served open-faced using a bread product such as a pita, wrap, bagel, etc...
How are the winners selected?
The judging panel will consist of food professionals assigned by G.L. Mezzetta and headed by our Chef Shea Rosen. First, all entries will be screened to make sure that the contest rules are followed. Entries which don't follow the rules will be disqualified. The most common error is the omission of an ingredient or that the procedure doesn't follow the list of ingredients in order and in a step-by-step fashion. The panel will select the most appealing recipes in each category, then prepare them in our kitchen for the ultimate taste test. The top sandwich in each category according to the judging criteria of creative use of ingredients, taste, ease of preparation and visual appeal wins.
Are hot dog and hamburger recipes eligible?
All sandwiches must be served on bread products such as rolls, buns, wraps, biscuits, sliced bread, focaccia, etc. Sandwiches may include any combination of ingredients; in the Vegetarian category, the ingredients must exclude meat and fish, but may contain vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, egg and dairy products.
Although strictly speaking, they're sandwiches, we think hamburgers and hot dogs are in a category by themselves so we are excluding hamburger and hot dog recipes from the contest. However, it you have a terrific hot sausage sandwich recipe (anything but a frankfurter), we'd love to see it.