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Serious Eats Gift Guide: Sandwiches

Posted by Zach Brooks, December 6, 2007 at 12:15 PM

In lieu of a Serious Sandwich post this week, Adam asked me to provide a Serious Sandwich Gift Guide for the holidays. Rather than give you a list of all the things that I have—and recommend—I've decided to kill two birds with one stone, and just post all the sandwich-related gifts that I want. (Mom, please take notice.) I give you permission to steal any of my ideas for the sandwich lover in your life.

Prices do not include shipping unless otherwise noted.

Personalized Grilled Cheese Sandwich T-Shirt

Who wouldn't want to be immortalized on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Surprise that special someone in your life with their very own "Personalized Grilled Cheese Sandwich T-Shirt" available from Ophelia's Art, no divine intervention required. Just a good digital photo of the person's face. Personalized Grilled Cheese Sandwich T-Shirt, $19.99 to $24.99

'Roadfood Sandwiches: Recipes and Lore from Our Favorite Shops Coast to Coast'

Know somebody who wants to quit their job, and travel the country in search of the best Sandwiches? This book is the perfect roadmap, and there are no pictures—serving as the ultimate motivation to visit each location and see for yourself what great sandwiches Jane & Michael Stern have uncovered in their travels. $14.95 ($10.17 on sale), from Amazon

Nancy Silverton's 'Sandwich Book'

Another great book for sandwich lovers, this one combines all of the recipes from Capanile's Thursday night Sandwich Night in Los Angeles. A great gift for the friend or loved one interested in concocting their own serious sandwiches, like the Peppered Beef with Sautéed Bitter Greens and Caper Onion Mayo. Bread recipes are included as well. $16.95 ($11.53 on sale), from Amazon

Mario Batali's Panini Grill & Press

As a 12-year-old I successfully convinced my mom we needed one of those sandwich press–waffle makers after staying home sick from school and watching the whole one-hour infomercial showing all the wonderful things you could make (terrible "apple pie" from two pieces of white bread and canned apple-pie filling being the star, of course). As an adult sandwich lover, it may be time to upgrade to the Mario Batali Sandwich Panini press. Unfortunately, it doesn't make waffles. $79.99 (on sale for $65.95), from Amazon

Peanut Butter and Jelly Spreader

The perfect gift for the person whose spouse hates finding bits of peanut butter inside the jar of jelly (aka my wife). Why overcome the laziness of using two knives (or starting with the jelly, since apparently jelly in the peanut butter jar is not as great an offense), when you can just get this amazing utensil? $9, from distinctive-decor.com

Olive Salad from the Central Grocery, New Orleans

For the true muffuletta lover, nothing beats the version at the Central Grocery in New Orleans—and surprisingly, they will ship the secret to their sandwich's deliciousness anywhere in the country. The Central Grocery olive salad is shipped in one-quart jars, and the minimum order is four quarts. To order, you have to call the store directly at 504-523-1620, and they are closed on Sundays & Mondays. $72 for 4 quarts

Sandwich Meat

I've never been down with the shipping of sandwiches. A freshly made pile of deliciousness stuffed into a box, delivered, and eaten a full 18 to 24 hours after it is assembled is not very appealing to me. But then again, I live in New York City, possibly the greatest sandwich city in the world. If you insist on sending food through the mail to somebody who lives in a sandwich-deprived part of the country, here are two good choices. Zingerman's Sandwich Kit, which includes meat, bread, cheese, pickles and condiments, and the Pastrami from Ben's, which has been recommended a few times this week by Ed. Zingerman's Sandwich Kit, $79 to $100 and Pastrami from Ben's, $22.50/lb

2 Comments | Tags: gift guides, gifts, sandwiches