Finally back in NYC from our field trip to Puerto Rico with YOLA. I tacked on some days and went budget as we do when we spontaneously change our flights and book some additional stays at our favorite retreat. In my option the spring is a great time to head south, it get chilly here and damp from all of the rain. Getting out and finding sun and warmth is a luxury that’s good for your health.
As much as I love certain places to travel to in the States, the truth is getting a clean and healthful lunch is still hard. I prefer not to eat out when the options are bad. Plus, chef’s don’t make enough money to luxuriate, so we get resourceful.
The Hotel Sandwich is our lesson today in budget travel cooking.
It opens up your wallet to splurge on a finer place to stay and fits nicely within a mini bar fridge. The Hotel Sandwich travels well too, its great to take to the beach, on a hike in nature, strolls through town or on the plane back home. In all its elements you’re nourished and satisfied. The Hotel Sandwich is smart when the restaurant culture isn’t very healthful, you’re secured a gourmand life anywhere.
Immediately after landing head to a health food store or a Wholefoods.
The shopping list;
A dense sourdough sprouted grains sliced loaf or other quality sliced loaf.
A jar of naturally fermented kraut (its TSA acceptable and chic to add it to your carry-on if you don’t think you’ll find any). *Recipes for many ferments in the upcoming Bright Cooking book.
Sliced cheese or hummus, I like both.
Sprouts. *Instruction on home sprouting in the upcoming book too.
On your way out of the market grab a few packets of both mustard and hot sauce from the prepared foods section.
Avocados are good in this sandwich but can get messy depending on the situation of your room, often times I forgo.
The tartness of the sourdough, the crunch of the kraut, the freshness of the sprouts and the umami of the hummus and cheese make this sandwich juicy and something I don’t tire of eating for a week/end straight.
Assembly, spread hummus on one slice of bread and on the other slice spread on the stolen mustard packet. Layer on the cheese, top with the sprouts, spoon a little of the kraut brine over the sprouts and hot sauce, if using, to season them. Layer on the kraut and close her up.
Assignment;
Get out of town on a whim, a nearby or far off destination, does not matter and Hotel Sandwich your way to rest.
Bright Cooking is out next month!!