20 February 2008

Pesto: Take 2

So what else can you do with all that scrumptious pesto you made for your Tortelloni Salad? Well, the possibilities are endless, but today I will tackle an easy use: Sandwich Spread. Yep, that simple.

But first I must take a step back - I have mentioned Jungle Jim's several times recently, and I really must talk about this mega-store. First of all, you cannot miss this food emporium if you are anywhere near it. There is a gigantic giraffe and waterfall out front, it looks like a mall, there is a weird subway tram shooting out of a roof. You get the idea. Of course the inside is even stranger. According to their website, the entire complex spreads out over 6 acres! Trust me, after you've been in the gigantic grocery for a couple hours, your legs get tired. But you can always pause to rest and watch a performance by the Elvis Gorilla or Pedro the Mariachi Man. And to think I am just scratching the surface of the fantastical weirdness that is Jungle Jim's.

So why am I waxing poetic (well, sort of) about Jungle Jim's? Mostly because of the cured meat counter. Who knew a 28 year old girl could be all a-twitter over cured meats? My sister, who shops at Jungle Jim's as her regular grocery store, had never even noticed this counter until I found it. (As much as I think L should have noticed this haven of all things porky and good, the store is pretty overwhelming, and I am sure you can discover something new every time you go!) I must have spent at least 30 minutes there sampling a variety of cured meats and sausages. I was enveloped in a lovely porcine fog that befuddled me into buying enough bits of salami, mortadella, chouriço, lomo and jamón serrano for a small army. I see several delicious meals in my future. Which brings me full circle...

The pesto from yesterday makes an amazing spread to this simple, yet delicious, toasted Italian sandwich. I don't even really think of this as a recipe - more like a picture of an awesome sandwich that you could make with any combination of ingredients that you had on hand. I have, however, done my best to include links to these two incredible sandwich meats in case you want a sandwich just like mine. Or in case you are inspired and want to make the trip to Jungle Jim's in lovely Fairfield, Ohio. (Okay, maybe not lovely Fairfield, Ohio - I really don't know what else it has to offer; although, I have heard a rumor that an IKEA is opening nearby which makes it a totally worthwhile day-trip!)

Ciabatta Bread, split open and toasted in the oven
Pesto (any kind works)
2 thin slices Columbus Salame Mortadella (or any good mortadella)
3 thin slices Columbus Salame Artisan Collection Finocchiona (or any good salami)
1 roasted bell pepper, thinly sliced
crumbled fresh feta cheese
leaf lettuce
thinly sliced onions

Stack it all up to a make delicious sandwich.

9 comments:

Phill said...

Josie,
Thanks for all the great comments! The nice thing about the store... we are changing a the time. The next time you are in the area, check out the event center; "Oscar" It's on the second floor. A Fantastic event center.
Ikea opens March 12th. They are about 10 miles from the store.

Thanks & Have Fun!
Phill Adams
Director of Development
Jungle Jim's International Market, Inc.
Fairfied, ohio 45014-4108
www.junglejims.com

Laura said...

Omigosh I had no idea about IKEA! My trip to Jungle Jim's just got more involved!

Erika W. said...

Oh my does that sandwich look amazing! And your meat counter sounds heavenly too!

I tagged you this morning for the Braisy Chain!

Karen said...

Hi Josie,
Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog. I appreciate your sensitivity.

In other news, I just gave my blog a makeover. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Best,
Karen

Vicci said...

Josie,
I want a Jungle Jim's HERE (your comments made me go to their website). I actually Mapquest-ed it and it would be a 5-hour drive. DH wouldn't understand...but he has always wanted to go to the Cincinnati Zoo... I may get to JJ yet. :)

I love the photo of your dogs, too.

~Vicci

RecipeGirl said...

Hello Dear Josie,

I'm afraid you've been tagged for yet another MEME. All good bloggers must be tagged :)

Have fun!

Lori

RecipeGirl said...

Oh yeah, see my blog for details!

Josie said...

Holy tags and comments Batman! :)

Phill- thanks for visiting! I am sure I will be down for more Jungle Jim's fun soon - especially since Ikea is coming.

Laura- Don't tell John I told you about Ikea. Blame Phill :)

Erika- thanks for the tag :) I love your new design!! I will definitely be coming up with a braise soon.

Karen- I am sure this will come as no shock to you, but I love the colors on your blog!!! In case you hadn't noticed, I have a love for really bright colors in the kitchen.

Vicci- you need to come visit! Your husband should come see the Columbus Zoo too - the famous Jack Hanna runs the place. It is -amazing-. My mom is a volunteer there and I go all the time.

Lori- thanks for the tag! I will be sure to investigate when I have a minute (I have had a wonderfully restful weekend that involved no cooking! shocking, I know :))

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness. I NEED to go to a Jungle Jim's. Tj always laughs at me for how much I love just wandering around the grocery store or market. I know you and I could have a good time together at Jungle Jims. We may never leave.