We’ve all been there: You head to the kitchen to whip up your favorite sandwich. But when you have it almost assembled, you discover one vital ingredient is missing. Arrrrrrrgh!
Then, you’re faced with a tough choice: run to the store or improvise. Ugh, there’s no way you’re slugging to the store to get one ingredient. But you gotta have your sandwich. Plus, it’s almost made. Fortunately, a smart sandwich swap might be right under your nose. The next time you run low (or if you’re just feeling in a funky, experimental mood), try an ingredient swap for these classic sandwiches.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Peanut butter: Hummus spreads a lot like peanut butter and is usually a healthier option. Or maybe tucked in the back of your cupboard is Nutella. This chocolatey, gooey stuff has the same consistency as peanut butter.
Jelly: For that sweet taste, look for fruit. Thinly slice some apples or bananas (just like Elvis!). No fresh fruit? Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries is another option. Plus, the natural sugar in fruit is better than the artificial stuff in many jellies.
Ham & Swiss
Ham: Pull out that canned meat in the back of the pantry. Finely chop enough meat for your sandwich, mixing in onions and green bell peppers. Then melt the cheese over the top to keep it all together.
Swiss: If your favorite cheese is long gone, grab one or two of your kids’ low-fat cheese sticks. Peel off strips and lay them over your sandwich.
Burger
Bun: When the bread bin is empty, grab some hearty lettuce and squash the burger stuff in between two leaves.
Ground beef: Combine a cup of lentils, onions, and taco seasoning and you’ll have some of the same texture as a burger and loads less fat.
BLT
Bacon: Sliced deli ham will work, grilled like you would bacon. Or, you can always sprinkle on some bacon bits.
Lettuce: Check out any celery stalks you may have handy. Snip off the leaves and use that for your greenery.
Tomatoes: Red bell peppers lightly pan-roasted will give a texture similar to tomatoes.
Reuben
Corned beef: If you make your own pizzas, you may have some leftover pepperoni. Spread these over a sandwich to replace the corned beef.
Sauerkraut: Slice up lettuce and finely dice some pickles and mix together.
Thousand Island dressing: Seems like every year, there’s an extra can of cranberry sauce left over from the holidays. Slice a thin piece and lay it on your club, and you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Tuna Fish
Canned tuna: Fresh cooked salmon (have leftovers?) can be shredded for the meat.
Celery: Chop up some carrots for a little crunch.
Mayo: Mustard or roasted garlic will still add the same kind of flavor and leave out loads of fat.
Pickles: Cut some green bell peppers or chop some green olives.
Disaster averted!
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
