What is your favorite sandwich?
Today, November 3rd, National Sandwich Day is also John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich’s birthday! The traditional sandwich we know and love today was created in the 18th century when Montagu wanted to have a meal that he could eat with one hand during a daylong gambling event. 
History of Sandwiches
The first sandwich recorded in history was created by the rabbi Hillel at Passover. He put a mixture of nuts, apple, spices, and wine between two pieces of matzoh. Hillel lived in the 1st century BC and this sandwich has been named after him and is part of Seder. The open face sandwich came into the world during the middle ages. At that time, place mats were replaced with a thick block of coarse stale bread and then meats and other foods were placed on top. The bread would absorb the juices, grease, and sauces as the person ate the food on top. Some would eat the bread if they were still hungry, others would offer it to the poor or the dogs.
While sandwiches existed before the Earl of Sandwich was born, they were often just called “bread and meat” or “bread and cheese”; it was not until 1762 that the first written record of the word sandwich can be found in Edward Gibbons journal. In 1765, John Montagu created the lunchmeat sandwich we know today for his 24-hour gambling event.
America’s Top 10 Sandwiches
According to TLC
Po Boy – from Food Network
1. Po’ Boys
2. Sloppy Joes
3. Chicken Salad Sandwich
4. Philly Cheese Steak
5. Grilled Ruben with Coleslaw
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
7. Ham and Cheese Stromboli
8. Hot Beef Sandwich
9. Smoky BBQ Beef Sandwich
10. English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich
Here are some healthy recipe versions of some of American’s favorite sandwiches
Shrimp Po Boy
Sloppy Joes
Chicken Salad
Grilled Cheese
Roast Beef
Gluten Free Grilled Cheese & Turkey
Sandwiches are great for any meal and are easy to take along for breakfast and lunch. A nice warm sandwich with a bowl of soup can really hit the spot during the colder fall and winter evenings. Adding vegetables in your sandwich, using mashed avocado instead of traditional mayonnaise on your bread, and using whole grain breads increases the nutritional value of your sandwich!
Enjoy the recipes above or get creative with all the ingredients in your refrigerator tonight and create your own new sandwich tonight. Check out the National Sandwich Day Facebook event. Look for national sandwich day deals in your area and enjoy a sandwich today!
by Michelle Ostran
Drexel University Graduate Student, MS in Human Nutrition
Eat Fit Health, Intern