~ Faux California Reuben Sandwich ~

In our home, we eat what tastes good.  We strive to produce healthy meals, without compromising the taste of a dish.   By keeping dishes simple and fresh, meals are bound to satisfy.

When I take the classics and create dishes or desserts, that fit our taste and goals, I usually end up with what I call:  Faux Foods.  Foods that are similar to the 'classics', but with a style of our own.  We like them, and that is what counts.

Here is one such 'Faux Food':  The Faux California Reuben (or Ruben) Sandwich

Nota Bene:  I do not use any secret sauce or Thousand Island Dressing...you can, but then it wouldn't be our Faux California RS.  Don't get me wrong, we like the sauce, too, but this tastes perfect without the sauce (or without the Swiss cheese).  I think the grilled bread keeps better and the pepper-jack cheese flavor is enhanced, without drowning the cheese in sauce.  Besides, I am not a big Swiss cheese fan.  If it has Swiss cheese, bring on the secret sauce.

The Ingredients:

Dark Rye Bread (or Marble if we can find it)
Butter
Pastrami from the deli
Hot Pepper Jack Cheese (or Mild Cheddar for one child)
Sauerkraut

Step One:

Heat sauerkraut in microwave or stove-top.
Meanwhile, butter one side of rye bread.  Place bread, butter side down on hot griddle (350 - 400).

Step Two:
Layer pastrami, cheese & warm sauerkraut on top of bread.  Place second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.

Step Three:
After a minute or two, carefully flip over sandwich and grill until second side is toasted to deliciousness.  It is best to enjoy this sandwich warm, right off the grill.

This grilled FCRS goes well with a side salad of green butter & red leaf with chopped gala apples & a nice vinaigrette drizzled on top.