Sandwich Appeal with the Cut-N-Seal

My friend Tricia Wilson makes these really cute sandwiches for her children, and my own kids have since come to know them as "Mrs. Wilson Sandwiches." Just looking at these sandwiches makes me feel like a kid again! They are made with the help of a Pampered Chef product called a Cut-N-Seal, which seals the outer edges and eliminates the crust (think Sm*ckers Untouchables - so called by me because of this ridiculous claim of theirs, only these homemade ones are healthier!). The Cut-N-Seal is 3.5" diameter, but I used an older model on the sandwich you see here, so it is slightly smaller. The Cut-N-Seal costs $9, but if you think that a pack of the frozen "name brand" sandwiches cost nearly $3 for a 4-pack, the product pays for itself after 12 sandwiches. 12 better tasting, better for you sandwiches, I might add. Heck even better looking sandwiches, what with the soft whole grain and all. ;-)

Nugget's original lunch today was going to include a Mrs. Wilson Sandwich, but Nugget and Rooni both decided they wanted to eat them for breakfast. Nugget is not normally a breakfast eater, so I say "Yes!" to every breakfast opportunity that presents itself.

In talking to Tricia, it turns out we prepare our Mrs. Wilson Sandwiches very differently. She rolls out her bread, spreads on the fillings in a thin layer, then does the cutting and sealing in one heavy-palmed push/turn motion. Very efficient! I make mine a little differently, but remain pleased with the aesthetic result. Either way, they taste mmmmmmm good.

Step 1. Use the Cut-N-Seal only as a bread cutter, just as you would a biscuit cutter, without pressing down on the center knob. Spread the fillings of choice (here we have pictured Trader Joe's Roasted Sunflower Seed Butter and strawberry jam), taking care to leave a small border around the edges. Note: Concerned about wasted bread? Then my method is the one for you! Since you are cutting the bread prior to putting any filling on it, your "scraps" are easily salvaged, cut into smaller pieces, placed in a freezer bag and kept for future use in bread pudding, dressing or stuffing. Waste-free!

Step 2. Place the two slices one above the other, and replace the Cut-N-Seal atop. Press down very firmly, putting some weight into it, but taking care not to twist while pressing. When you remove the Cut-N-Seal, the sandwich might stick inside but you simply press on the knob to help release it. It's that easy!

Step 3. Enjoy!

One more thing: If you didn't click through to read the article about how the jelly company is trying to patent the PB&J, I'll sumarize it. They want to patent the idea of putting the peanut butter on both sides of bread, with jelly in the middle to prevent soggy bread.