Friday, August 7, 2009

Reunion Make Ahead Sandwiches

2 (8oz) blocks cream cheese
4 tablespoons milk
8 to 10 cut up sun-dried tomatoes, or to taste
pepper
garlic
basil
fresh spinach
smoked turkey
focaccia bread

Soften cream cheese with milk. Add tomatoes (diced fine), pepper, and garlic. Cut bread in half so you have 2 layers. Spread cream cheese on both layers. Press spinach on one spread side and cover with smoked turkey. Press one leaf or more to taste of basil on the other layer. Put two layers together and press slightly. Wrap with saran wrap and refrigerate several hours before serving.

I use the sun dried tomatoes that are packed in olive oil with Italian seasonings. Some brands might say fine herbs. Either one is fine.
If I can find it I like to use the mesquite flavored turkey, this seems to give it a little zip. For the reunion I used a combination of regular smoked turkey and the mesquite in each sandwich.
I use fresh garlic, two good size cloves minced fine. Or to your taste.
You may use white or black pepper. One time I forgot to use it and I realized it does need a couple of shakes.
You don't have to use focaccia, other breads work well. For the reunion I used what the Quality Bakery in Northfield called "finger rolls".
This cream cheese mixture makes a wonderful dip for pita chips and small crispy bread rounds.
I think you could make some really nice little dainty sandwiches for a tea or for bite size appetizers.
In a pinch I have used dried basil I mixed into the cream cheese mixture.