PrintWrapping sandwiches, deli-style
Every time I make a sandwich at home, I really want to wrap it in parchment paper the way the guys behind the deli counter do. I've googled this, but every time I search I find either companies that sell deli wrap, or recipes for "wrap" style sandwiches. Anyone out there able to explain how it's done, or post a link to a site that explains it?
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8 Comments:
I'm a bit confused by your post, Jamie...are you looking for parchment (or butcher) paper, or to learn a method of wrapping a sandwich a specific way?
Curlz at 12:00PM on 01/22/08
I'm not totally sure I understand your question - I think wrapping a regular sandwich deli style and making a wrap sandwich (as in with flatbread or a tortilla) are two different things.
I worked at a deli in high school so I can describe the former, or at least the way we did it. We used white butcher paper, not parchment, but it was for sandwiches we intended people to eat immediately. If someone was getting sandwiches for, say, a road trip we would wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Anyway, I'm sure parchment would fold the same watch butcher paper did. We wrapped our sandwiches the same way a burrito is folded. So, with the sandwich in the middle of the paper but a little closer to you, the folder, fold the end of paper closest to you over the sandwich. Then, like a burrito, fold each side over the ends of the sandwich. Then, roll the sandwich away from you until it's all wrapped up and secure with a piece of tape.
Hopefully that makes sense!
LizNYC at 12:04PM on 01/22/08
This may not be what you're looking for. I make my own sandwiches. This is how I wrap them: I put the sandwich in the middle of a larger piece of waxed or parchment paper. Bring the long ends up together, and make folds (like 3/4") until you get to the sandwich. Press the paper flat and fold in each side to make a V, then fold the V under the sandwich.
Nothing fancy and no tape needed.
PerkyMac at 12:13PM on 01/22/08
Sorry the question wasn't clear. I wasn't looking for parchment paper itself, or for "wrap" style sandwiches. I was looking for a description of the method of wrapping the sandwich in paper--which LizNYC and PerkyMac gave. Thanks!
@PerkyMac - I tried the method you describe, but the V-shaped ends that I folded underneath weren't staying put w/o tape. Maybe waxed paper or butcher paper would stay better?
jamieforrest at 4:56PM on 01/22/08
Jamie: Possibly the paper isn't wide enough (or if it's way too big, it would be thick and cumbersome), the sandwich isn't heavy enough, layed flat, or the paper is too slippery? Normally, the weight of the sandwich keeps it underneath, but a piece of tape would insure that. Foil would work even better, but I'd prefer to wrap it in waxed paper first. Just a personal preference.
PerkyMac at 5:07PM on 01/22/08
I used to wrap sandwiches for a living once —
Start with a piece of parchment longer than it is wide, with enough clearance on either side of the sandwich to fold securely on each end. Center sandwich on bottom two-thirds of sheet, and tightly roll over once; tightly fold over sides, roll again; with the remaining bit of paper, fold corners (like a paper airplane), and tightly seal with tape. There should be a cute triangle.
This should be explained visually, I think.
cmballa at 11:25AM on 01/24/08
I've seen the method described above work well done on a diagonal as well, with the sandwich lined up roughly corner to corner (a bit closer to the first flap folded than the last since you generally want a bit more slack on the last flap to close it up nicely) you fold one corner over the sandwich then fold in the two adjacent corners and roll/flip the sandwich to fold in the final corner.
This is particularly handy with things like subs since you can use a shorter rectangular sheet of paper with better results, just start with a corner along one of the long sides (away from the sub ends) and roll/fold it over the sub, fold in the corners at the ends and roll the remaining flap/corner around the sub.
eli_avery at 4:41AM on 01/26/08
This question brings me back to my first year in college when I discovered the amazing burritos made at the college "grab and go." The fresh, copious fillings were great - but the best part of the whole experience was watching the folks at the counter wrap a burrito. They were totally in the zone, and with a few flicks of the wrist turned a floppy tortilla piled with stuff into a tightly wrapped, spill proof burrito. amazing.
I unfortunately have never mastered the burrito-wrapping skill like they have - nor do I know the secrets of wax paper wrapping. What I CAN contribute, are some ideas about convenient and eco-friendly bags and boxes to wrap your sandwich in, once it's tucked away in the butcher paper. Check it out at The Jew & The Carrot
http://jcarrot.org/bread-butter-and-a-reusable-lunchbox/
Leah
Editor, The Jew & The Carrot blog
TheJewAndTheCarrot at 7:35PM on 01/27/08