When you see that word the only possible response is 'Bless You'. For those of you who don't know a Muffalatta is sandwich that originated in New Orleans. I had never heard of such a thing until Crystal and I went on a cruise that departed from N'Orleans. I told David that we were going and he said "You HAVE to do two things in New Orleans. Get a beignet at Cafe du Monde and eat a Muffalatta at Central Grocery" David then had to explain to me what those two things are. A Beignet (pronounced Bingyay) is fried dough and was good but not great to me, but the Muffalatta was Wonderful!! A Muffalatta is the size of a small dinner plate with Ham, Salami, provolone cheese served up on a round loaf of bread. But what makes it great is a mixture of olives, garlic, pickled vegtables and spices that goes on the top layer of the sandwich. Crystal and I bought one to share at the store and we like it so much we went back and bought a jar of the mix to take home and have later. It was well worth the money!Time has passed and I had forgotten about Muffalattas until a business trip this week when I saw a store that advertised them. The sandwich was served up the same was as it was in N'Orleans and it was GOOOOOD. I called David and told him that I had a sandwich and we had a good talk. It is good to have an older brother who knows so much. I think I am going to try to find the ingredients and can up a few pints of the olive spread this summer.
7 comments:
Looks delicious!
it sounds very good, I will have to find a place that sells it next time I am down around there.
I think I'll plan on having one when Dad and I come in October. You must have gone to the wrong place to get your beignet because they truly are delicious. I brought home a mix to make them in ID after a trip to New Orleans and they were a big hit them. It's making my mouth water.
Mom,
David said the same thing. I probably should have had my beignet before a week of cruise food instead of after. I might have had spoiled taste buds at that point!
Yes the best part of being on the Road is the food. The last time I had a Muffalatta I was in New Orleans sitting in an open-air market listing to a great local jazz band. Great food and Great Music it does not get much better than that. I bought the Band's CD and every time I hear it I think back on that great day.
Here is a recipe if you want to make your own. I have not tried it but it would be worth it for a great sandwich.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1944,156164-238193,00.html
Salad:
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 c. chopped green stuffed olives
1 c. chopped oil cured black olives, (pitted)
4-5 pepperoncini, minced
1/2 c. roasted red peppers, chunks
1 c. olive oil
3 tbsp. fresh parsley
large pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. each oregano and basil
2 tbsp. white wine or balsamic vinegar
Sandwich:
1 large round loaf bread
1/3 lb. salami, thinly sliced
1/2 lb. Provolone, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced in circles
1/2 lb. Havarti cheese, thinly sliced
1/3 c. Prosciutto or Capicola ham, thinly sliced
Combine ingredients for salad and allow to stand overnight so that flavors can mingle.
Slice the bread in half, slicing off the top portion (like a cap) and scoop out some of the center of loaf. Drizzle oil from salad on both top and bottom halves, using a good deal of the mixture for the bottom half.
Layer the olive salad, cold cuts, cheeses, and layer again until all ingredients are used. Top with bread top (cap). Slice into 6 wedges.
I eat these from time to time from a deli here in Salt Lake City (actually a national chain click here to find one near you http://www.jasonsdeli.com/location). I have to agree that they're very good, although I try not to eat them at lunch because all that garlic? UuuuuWEEEEE, the breath!
hmmm. i've had beignets, and i'll agree with mom here - they are crazy fabulous. I used to love to get muffalattas at italian delis in NY and Philly, but i just thought they were italian .. didn't know they had anything to do with NO.
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