Italian Hero with a Twist ;)

Everyone probably knows what an Italian Hero is - ham, salami and provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil and vinegar on a hero roll.  Now, while that sandwich has its place among football gatherings, pizzerias and other casual get-togethers, I want to give you my classed up Italian Hero recipe.

I know I have said it before and I will say it again - I cannot heat up the kitchen in the Summer - it's freaking unbearable.  So if anyone is wondering where the actual cooking recipes went to, rest assured they will be back in the end of September and I can't wait - roast chicken, roast beef, roast veggies, mashed potatoes, I'm counting the days until my favorite season - Fall.  In the meantime I am giving you this...this awesome, classy, delicious sandwich - eat up bitches.

INGREDIENTS

Prosciutto di Parma sliced paper thin

A nice high-end Italian salami

A REALLY good sheep's milk cheese - I like Manchego even thought it is Spanish cheese, not Italian but I'm not all Italian and I am part Spanish so I'm allowed to make these crazy adjustments to the Italian hero.

Good Italian bread or French baguette from a BAKERY - not a supermarket

Arugula

Thinly sliced shallots

Thinly sliced tomatoes

Salt, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste

The rest is easy, cut a piece of bread as big as you want your hero to be then cut that piece in half longways.  I like about 6 inches.  Pour about 2 teaspoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of vinegar onto the bread - make sure it is evenly distributed.  Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on. 

Pile on the meat - prosciutto first, about 2 slices then salami, depending on how big the salami roll is 2-3 pieces.  Do not overdo it on the cheese - sheep's milk cheese has a strong taste and you don't need a ton plus the less cheese the less calories.

Then comes the veggies, arugula first, a small handful.  Then as much or as little sliced shallots as you like. 

Here is the important part - the tomatoes.  Don't overdo it on the tomatoes!  Just 1 or 2 very thinly sliced pieces of tomato are all you need! Too much ruins the sandwich by soggying it up!

This goes really well with an Italian Pinot Grigio or a Prosecco which is what sparkling wine from Italy is called :) 

Now go and enjoy your classed-up sandwich night!!!