Sandwiches, an ideal summer meal

What a difference a week makes. The weather is warming and it appears that summer has arrived. With the arrival of summer and the longer days that go with it, it seems we've become busy with outdoor chores, sports and activities. Often, it's difficult to get a meal in. Thank goodness we love a good sandwich!

Here are a few ideas for sandwiches, hot and cold, that are quick, tasty and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Sandwiches truly are a delicious way to beat the heat, and hectic schedules, and still eat well.

I guarantee that with all the fabulous breads, rolls, bagels and wraps available, as well as sliced meats, creamy cheeses and flavorful spreads and dressings, sandwich making will never get boring. Whether dining at home or at a picnic table in the park, serve your creations with a cool potato, macaroni or pasta salad and end with a dessert of fresh summer fruit for an ideal summer meal.

Tomato Provolone Melts

2 bagels, cut in half

4 slices Canadian bacon

1 large tomato, cut into 4 slices

1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning or 1 to 2 T. fresh basil and oregano leaves, finely chopped

4 slices Provolone cheese

Directions: Top each bagel half with Canadian bacon and tomato slice. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning; top with cheese slice. In regular oven, or toaster oven, about 4 inches from heat, broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Makes 4 open-faced sandwiches.

Beef Bun Sliders

1/2-pound ground beef

1/3 cup chopped bamboo shoots

1/3 cup chopped green onions with tops

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/8 tsp. black pepper

10-ounce can refrigerated flaky biscuits

1 egg, slightly beaten

Dash salt

1 T. sesame seeds

Directions: In skillet, brown ground beef. Remove from heat and drain. Add bamboo shoots, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard and pepper to beef. Mix well to combine.

Separate dough into 10 biscuits; press or roll each into a 4-inch circle. Spoon 2 tablespoons meat mixture onto center of each circle. Bring dough up over meat and pinch edges together to form buns.

Place buns seam side down on lightly greased cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seed. Bake in preheated 375-degree F. oven for 12 to 16 minutes, or till golden brown. Serves 5.

Grilled Smoked Turkey and Muenster

Sandwiches

1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing

6 slices pumpernickel bread

1/4-pound sliced Muenster cheese

1/2-pound deli-sliced smoked turkey breast

3 T. butter, softened

Directions: Spread each bread slice evenly with dressing. Evenly top 3 of the bread slices, dressing side up, with half the cheese, then turkey. Top with remaining cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices, dressing side down. Evenly spread butter on both sides of each sandwich.

In large skillet, cook sandwiches over medium heat, turning once and pressing down sandwiches occasionally, 8 minutes or till cheese is melted. Makes 3 sandwiches.