Dagwood Sandwich: How a Comic Strip Snack Became a Dictionary Word
The Dagwood sandwich began as a running gag in Chic Young's Blondie. Dated newspaper citations and dictionaries show how a late-night snack became a word.
Southern Tomato Sandwich: White Bread, Duke’s Mayonnaise and a Summer Tomato
The Southern tomato sandwich has no known inventor. Sources on Duke's mayonnaise, Blue Plate, Cherokee Purple tomatoes, white bread and the 1911 print mention.
Bauru Sandwich: Origin of São Paulo’s Roast Beef and Melted Cheese Classic
The bauru sandwich of São Paulo, Brazil: hot roast beef, tomato, pickles and melted cheese in a hollowed roll, and the law student whose nickname named...
Sabich: The Iraqi Jewish Eggplant and Egg Sandwich of Israel and the Story Behind Its Name
Sabich began as an Iraqi Jewish Shabbat breakfast. Sources differ on who first sold it in a pita, when, and whether its name honors a man...
Bocadillo: Spain’s Crusty-Loaf Sandwich, Its Name and Its Regional Forms
The bocadillo is a split crusty loaf with one or two fillings. Sources on its name, Madrid's squid version, pan con tomate, regional types and tapas.
Provolone Cheese: How It Is Made, Dolce vs Piccante and How It Melts
Provolone is a pasta filata cheese. Sources compare Valpadana DOP with American-made, dolce with piccante, and its place in cheesesteaks and Italian subs.
Gruyère Cheese: Swiss AOP Rules, French IGP, Ageing and How It Melts
Gruyère is two protected cheeses: Swiss AOP and French IGP. Sources on origin, ageing classes, the 2023 US ruling and how it melts in croque monsieur.
Cheddar Cheese History: From Cheddar, Somerset to the Grilled Cheese Pan
Cheddar is named for a Somerset village, but sources split on its dates. How cheddaring, the PDO, American factories and annatto shaped the cheese.
Grilled Cheese on a Griddle: Flat-Top vs Skillet, Surface Temperature and Pressing
How a griddle differs from a skillet for grilled cheese: surface temperatures, butter or mayo, pressing and heat control from test kitchens and makers.
Butter vs Mayo on Grilled Cheese: Smoke Points, Browning and What the Tests Found
Butter and mayonnaise brown grilled cheese differently. Smoke points, milk solids, egg protein and the results of kitchen tests, with other fats compared.