Tag: family recipes

The Art of ‘WichCraft, Pt 5: Delivering The Goods

“I thought I had an appetite for destruction, but all I wanted was a club sandwich” – Homer

I admitted in a previous part that I was neither much of a fan of bread or grilled cheese, the all-American sandwich. Here is another dirty little secret for you; I didn’t even like mustard at the time I tasted my first midnight snack, but it worked and I loved it. That might have been what planted the seed of ingredients and flavor profiles that would influence my craft to come. So what is it about a well-constructed sandwich that makes a mustard hater enjoy mustard?

Is it the combination of flavors, the type of meat in the middle, the bread, the fried egg? Is all the above true?

So, then, what makes a perfect sandwich? The first criteria is that the finished product must be greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, everything in the middle must have a role and add to, not dominate or diminish. That said, there is no middle without the bread. How important is bread? Well, it’s the first point of contact so its responsibility is raised high above the bar. It must deliver the goods, contain the goods, protect the goods… You get the idea; the bread is the vehicle that delivers the package, yet doesn’t leave it at the door step and drive away. No, the bread remains for the entire journey, so it better be good.

There is nothing worse than a package that doesn’t deliver, whether it’s too tough to open, smashed in transit, or crumbled on take off, ruining the meal before it is started. I have had far too many of these and much too many that actually have the taste and texture of an actual cardboard package. I simply can’t even count how many awful meals I’ve had all due to bad bread. Be it stale, be it frail, if the bread can’t perform whatever lies between is irrelevant; the meal is done.

The art of ‘WichCraft is so simple yet so complex. It requires vision, creativity, design, architecture, and cohesion. But most of all it requires some thoughtfulness and a little common sense. Why? Because no matter how well thought out, how well planned, how well constructed, if the vessel doesn’t work, it all breaks down. 

We have all had that breakdown on the side of a plate, right? It’s awful, isn’t it?

It makes you ask, how does this happen? What kind of an idiot can’t make a fucking sandwich? Well, all kinds of idiots I guess because I have had far too many crappy sandwiches. Common sense; don’t use stale bread, don’t use frail bread. Don’t use too much and don’t use too little. Don’t use bread that can’t make the delivery! Is there anything worse than a sandwich that completely falls apart an inch before the first bite? How about a sandwich with bread so hard it cuts the roof of your mouth like too much Captain Crunch? It’s really not that hard, just use good, fresh bread.

To that point, dare I say bread is the most important component of a sandwich?

I do not dare say anything at this point in our little journey for I have only just begun to slice into it. I will say, however, everything has a role in crafting the perfect sandwich. All components have a reason and must play well with others and do their part. 

So then,  what is the star of a sandwich? Does bread hold the lead or just a supporting role?

Let’s look in the middle before I answer that.

Talk Soon,
Kevin
@coldfire_kev
@coldfire.coffee
@coldfire_hotsauce
kevin@coldfirecoffee.com

The Art of ‘WichCraft, Pt 4: The Leftover Sandwich

I had to grin and bear it many times out of hunger and respect, because I knew what the alternative was…Deviled ham from the little can wrapped in paper with a little devil on it, just typing it makes my mouth salty and cringy.

“Life is good when you have a good sandwich.” – Keanu Reeves

I have no memory of life without sandwiches. As you must know by now, I have fond memories of food. Food was always an integral part of celebrations, holidays, and casual gatherings, just to name a few. Perhaps that association helped fuel my passion that eventually became what it is today. It’s not unlike my love for coffee; it goes beyond the final product itself. It has as much to do with what having a cup of coffee has meant over the years. Everything that has been shared and experienced over a simple hot beverage has contributed to the memories and fondness of coffee. There has also been so much shared over a meal in my life. Meals from simple to complex, have been a catalyst for so much life to happen.

Coffee, cookies, and a sandwich; one of the three always seem to be offered upon a visit. To my parents, my grandparents, or just about anyone, I can always be assured one of the three. I sure do miss my Grandma and her cookies, but today is about sandwiches. She could make a good sandwich, but hers were not always my favorite, I must admit. Simply because she didn’t always have the proper meat or filling for my taste. Besides, she buttered the inside, I always thought that was weird. She always had liverwurst, for which I just didn’t have a taste for as a kid.

I had to grin and bear it many times out of hunger and respect, because I knew what the alternative was…Deviled ham from the little can wrapped in paper with a little devil on it, just typing it makes my mouth salty and cringy.  That was another thing I didn’t have much of a taste for in my younger years.

I really wasn’t a fan of any meat in a can as a kid, tuna, chicken,  especially Spam! What was a treat, however, was when she was willing to make me grilled cheese. I wasn’t really a grilled cheese fan either, but my Grandma’s were the best. My guess is her secret was she probably buttered both sides of the bread. For that, the butter worked! 

I know what you are thinking; how can I even write about sandwiches when I’m not a fan of grilled cheese? Here’s the real kicker; I wasn’t much of a bread fan either! So, how then can I even discuss sandwiches? Yes, I was a bit of a picky eater, my favorite growing up was PB&J on Wonderbread. And yes, of course, I dipped it in milk! How else could I prevent the Wonderbread from turning into a paste-like substance that stuck to the roof of my mouth? Anyone from my generation knows exactly what I am talking about, and might have used a pry bar to remove said substance from the roof of their mouth on an occasion or two.. The bread that was as white as its bag, adorned with all the blue, red, and yellow dots was truly a wonder. Whether it was really bread or a wonder of science is still up for debate.

That said, my palate evolved over time. From simple to complex, as did my sandwich makings and cravings. The one I bespoke in the opening part set the stage for what was to come for me and sandwiches. For I truly believe that a sandwich is the original comfort food. That just might have to do with all the memories that come as a side to a couple slices of bread filled with whatever your imagination can conceive. It is a true creative culinary process that begins with a blank canvas that can take you just about anywhere you want to go. That is truly the beauty and essence of sandwiches and the art of ‘wichcraft…There are so many options and so little rules; the possibilities are endless, but what they create are memories that last a lifetime.

I am sitting in my new underground office as I update this one week from Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving with all the food, friends, and family. It is one of my favorite meals of the year, but what I love even more is the leftover sandwich. The Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich, yes it’s so good it needs to be bolded and capitalized. All credit for my love and ability to create a great leftover sandwich goes to my Dad. Just for this one sandwich there are endless options. The full works with every leftover from the fridge on the bread? Or simple with just turkey, mayo, lettuce, and tomato? Cold or hot? Toasted or not? My favorite version is hot. All I need is lightly toasted bread with mayo, a fried stuffing patty, warmed turkey, hot gravy, hot sauce, and to make this one of the greatest sandwiches of all time – a fried egg! Quite possibly one of the greatest lessons I learned from my dad. 

Give it  a try this year, trust me, you’ll thank me. Make sure you have the right hot sauce for it, My favorite is my Voodoo Fire or Ghosts of War or La Victoria’s orange sauce.Talk Soon,
Kevin
@coldfire_kev
@coldfire.coffee
@coldfire_hotsauce
kevin@coldfirecoffee.com

The Art of ‘WichCraft, Pt.2: From Wence Came The ‘Wich?

Just think of all the things you can do without letting hunger stop you. You can hike, you can fish, you can even gamble if you wish.

“Sandwiches are wonderful. You don’t need a spoon or a plate” -Paul Lynde 

Before I get too deep or find myself, sandwiched between my thoughts from which I cannot escape, I would like to give thanks where thanks are due.

To whom do I thank for such a practical and delicious creation? There is often a debate on who invented the sandwich, but the consensus gives credit to the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu in 1762. Well then, John, your nobleness, thank you for your contribution to the culinary world.

I am quite sure that many civilisations prior to the time of our noble earl of Sandwich used a breadlike vehicle or two to eat their food but our friend John Montagu gets the credit.

The story has it that our nobleman was quite the profligate and gambler; I like him already. This story excites me more than an ancient tribe in loin cloth consuming the spoils of their hunt between two starchy, carby ancient grainy type things. So, it is said that our gambler was on a twenty four hour run at the table and became hungry. Understandable, that’s a long time to do anything without food. Our 4th Earl asked the cook to prepare food he could eat that would not hinder his gambling. What was presented was two pieces of toast with sliced meat in between. Genius!

That really begs the questions, did John really invent the sandwich or did the cook? For the sake of diplomacy, I will thank them both – Thank John Montagu and the nameless cook that satisfieth his hunger.

Just think of all the things you can do without letting hunger stop you. You can hike, you can fish, you can even gamble if you wish. You make your own and drive straight through, or grab one from the drive-through. Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it better with a sandwich or two.

So, to whomever invented the sandwich I am eternally grateful. If they never did, who knows what I would have walked in on my dad and uncle making for a midnight snack that fateful night. The bite that started it all could have been a disgusting bowl of porridge! My dad was known to enjoy a bowl of that too.  For now, I will thank you Earl of Sandwich John Montagu, for your gambling addiction that eventually led to my love for one the greatest foods of all, and the spark that lit the fire that would eventually ignite my passion to cook.

Talk Soon,
Kevin
@coldfire_kev
@coldfire.coffee
@coldfire_hotsauce
kevin@coldfirecoffee.com

To Defy The Laws Of Tradition Part #5: All In The Family

“Remember to laugh kiddo” – Jerry Williams, my Dad

I write this on the tail end of our annual Thanksgiving closure at the pie shop. Thanksgiving is our Super Bowl. It is our busiest time of year. The closure is always a wonderful way to rest, recover, and enjoy time with family and friends.

This year we did Thanksgiving at our house. My daughter was missing her papa, my dad, and really wanted to be at home this year. It was great; we all had a very nice holiday.

This really allowed me to think about the traditions we have that date back as far as I can remember. The Thanksgiving traditions I remember most from my early childhood are the stuffing, the turkey cooking process, grandma’s jell-o mold, and my mom baking pumpkin pies for our home and some for her lifelong friend. She did this as long as I can remember, up until the day she lost her friend.

Oh, the stuffing. Every family seems to have their own version of stuffing. My dad’s is the best that I have ever had. I don’t know how far back it goes. I am sure it is documented somewhere, but my dad always made it by memory. Fortunately, one year my oldest sister and I finally stood by and watched him with a notebook so we could document the recipe and pass it down. Making the stuffing the night before is a process and one of my favorites traditions. It was always the kickoff to Thanksgiving and the holiday season. My daughter has helped every year since she was little whenever it was our turn to make it. These are memories that will last a lifetime that strengthen the traditions so they will last generations.

These are not traditions I want to defy. I want to uphold and keep them alive. I also do not want to be too rigid. I believe there is room for traditions to evolve and adapt. As I reflect on all the various traditions, I realize how many revolve around food and that there are traditions the traditions and within the cooking processes. It is almost ritualistic. These are traditions I want to share with my family and my customer at the pie shop.

Many of the products we make at our shop have been inspired by dishes that were first created long before my time by my family members and ancestors. The recipes are only part of the traditions that were passed on to me. The more important aspect of all the traditions are the people, the rituals, the processes, the feelings, the stories, and the experiences they provide for others. They are made stronger by the people they are shred with and solidified by the stories we tell and remember year after year. These traditions are meant to bring joy and happiness. They are meant to create bonds and memories. And most importantly, they are meant to evolve and adapt so they can be shared for generations to come.

I hope you are as lucky as I am to have so many wonderful family traditions that get better and better every year.

Happy Holidays!

Talk Soon,

Kevin W @LEAP272
Owner-Operator

You have to leap if you want to live