The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread [Paperback]

Susan Russo (Author), Matt Armendariz (Photographer)

Book Description

Release date: April 5, 2011

How do you keep a Dagwood from toppling over? What makes a Po’ Boy so crispy and crunchy? And who was the genius that invented the Fluffernutter? Discover these answers and more in The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches—a chunky little cookbook dedicated to everything between sliced bread. 

Author Susan Russo has searched the globe to catalog every sandwich imaginable, providing tried-and-true recipes, tips and tricks, and fascinating regional and historical trivia about the best snack of all time. Quick how-to instructions will ensure that every Panini is toasted to buttery perfection, every Sloppy Joe is deliciously sloppy, and every Dagwood is stacked to perfection! The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches is essential reading for sandwich connoisseurs everywhere. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Too few people understand a really good sandwich.”—James Beard

“Presented as an encyclopedia with alphabetical entries, it is an easy-to-use guide for ideas and neglected ingredients. A reliable sandwich stop from A to Z”—Library Journal

“The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches, by Susan Russo, is stuffed with fun history and many of the recipes that make sandwiches a favorite handheld food.”—Everyday Food

“A compendium that's worth the bread.”—Thrillist

“The book is compact, and the recipes are tempting and not overly involved. A nice touch is a six-page ingredient index, listing breads, condiments, sauces, meats, cheeses, fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts that appear in Russo's recipes. What to do with those pineapple rings in the fridge? There's a recipe that uses them.”—Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune

“The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches is a fun read that will inspire creativity between sliced bread (or in a bun or pita pocket) and is a great resource to regale your friends with random sandwich facts. […] It will also leave you seriously jonesing for a sandwich.”—Katie Machol, Creative Loafing

About the Author

Author SUSAN RUSSO writes for NPR’s Kitchen Window and posts stories, recipes, and photos on her popular food blog, Food Blogga (which is Rhode Island-ese for “food blogger”). She is the
coauthor of Recipes Every Man Should Know (Quirk, 2010). She resides in San Diego. And she is forever indebted to her Italian mother for teaching her how to make a good meatball sub.

Photographer MATT ARMENDARIZ is a man obsessed with food, drink, and everything in between, as evidenced by his food blog, Matt Bites, and his cookbook dedicated to fair food, party food, and all food served On a Stick! He resides in Los Angeles. Let the record show that Matt is a true sandwich champion for trying every single sandwich in this book at least once—and some more times than he’d care to admit.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Quirk Books; First Edition edition (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594744386
• ISBN-13: 978-1594744389
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > History
  • #94 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Gastronomy > History

More About the Author

Susan Russo is a freelance food writer, cookbook author, recipe developer and the voice behind the nationally recognized blog, Food Blogga. She is a regular contributor to NPR.org and has been featured in many print and online publications including Cooking Light, Edible San Diego, and WineMag.com.

After a conversation about food with a group of guys at a local speakeasy, she decided it was her destiny to help men cook. Hence, this book which is dedicated to all those hungry fellas out there who think they can't cook but can.

Though a native Rhode Islander (Food Blogga is Rhode Islandese for Food Blogger), Susan now lives in sunny San Diego with her husband. Thanks to the years in her Italian grandmother's and mother's kitchens, Susan makes a killer meatball sandwich, which is one of over 100 sandwiches in her upcoming cookbook The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread (Quirk Books, Spring 2011).

When she isn't cooking or eating, Susan is hiking, searching for "Mad Men" dresses, drinking craft beer, or buying purple-colored produce at any of the 40 farmers' markets in San Diego.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sandwiches to Suit Every Occasion April 5, 2011

By Dee Long

Format:Paperback

Sandwiches are a weekend lifesaver at our house -- it's every man for himself in creating the perfect Dagwood. Susan Russo has created a wonderfully entertaining compendium of this historic menu item, along with plenty of inspiration for keeping your sandwich plate filled with simple to sublime creations.

Recipes include the famous New England Lobster Roll, the infamous Elvis bacon-banana-peanut butter gut buster, the hot and crisp Monte Cristo and even a pound cake sandwich for a different twist on sandwich bread. Even the sweet tooths are satisfied with suggestions for the ice Cream Sandwich and the heavenly Fluffernutter.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches offers the perfect menu solution for anyone stumped by the question -- what's for lunch (or breakfast or dinner for that matter!). Beautifully illustrated and easy to follow sandwich-making directions.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A to Z of sandwiches October 9, 2011

By Bugster2

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was looking for ideas for my husband's lunch box and ordered this book for inspiration. It has just about every type of sandwich you can imagine and more. Maybe not a gourmet's delight, instead it is geared more for the home cook. There are cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches and the panini. It contains enough recipes to keep you busy for several months. The recipes are simple with ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. No need here to hunt for that unusual ingredient. Great for the person who prefers simplicity in meal preparation.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous piece of work May 3, 2011

By C. Cucinotti

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This a fantastic little book with many, many, awesome recipes and beautiful photos. The author and photographer have done a spectacular job. Sure, you know most of the sandwiches in the book but there are a few surprises and you may have forgotten about some of the sandwiches. There are also interesting variations. And, you get the back story with food trivia which makes it interesting and fun. If you have never had a pepper and egg sandwich, you should try one soon. (big on the east coast) I think this book would be a great gift for anyone.