There is nothing worse than spending a day hunting, fishing, or afield/afloat and discovering that your lunch is ruined. You reached for your favorite sandwich, only to discover that it was crushed in the cooler by your friends 6 pack, sat on when you were resting to call in that turkey, or flattened when you leaned into the tree to take a break.
My mother made great lunches. She would use freshingredients and knew all of our favorites. An old aluminum box kept the sandwiches intact. In the early days, she used wax paper to wrap up the sandwiches. When we were outdoors doing our things, we always looked forward to a wonderful, intact, sandwich.
Today sandwiches get squished into plastic wrap. Thecondiments soak into the bread or rolls. If not in a hard sidecase, they inevitably end up ruined.
So how can you ensure that your lunch is Pack Proof?
Build the sandwich on site. Include tools needed.
Store the sandwich in a hard side container. You can use large empty plastic jars, cardboard tubes, or small cardboard boxes. Kids’ school lunch kits also are cute and work well.
Make a practical sandwich.
Keep chips and sides separate in crushproof containers.
Use a sturdy bread or roll. Pita rolls, Kaiser hard rolls, or a Ciabatta are tough and durable.
Lefty Kreh loved eating lunch when afield. Without it meant a less fulfilling afternoon. On a fishing trip to Kettle Creek in Pennsylvania, Lefty oversaw lunch. I was just a kid and would eat about anything but… Lefty’s special sandwich was not madeahead of time. Each ingredient was securely wrapped andseparated. First, he used white bread then applied creamy Peanut Butter. Lastly, he sliced up kosher pickles and laid them on top. PB and Pickle sandwiches?! It was what was for lunch. They were great!
When I oversee lunch, I keep my sandwiches unbuilt. The bread is in a smash proof container and the condiments are applied when I make the meal. Tomatoes get sliced on site and everything is fresh. This way, everyone gets what they want. My breads will be sturdy rolls or English muffins. The whole grain crusty bread also holds up better.
I also butter my bread before making a sandwich. The butter helps to hold the bread together and adds flavor. At the turn of the century, butter was not common. During WW2, butter was rationed, and margarine became popular. Now that whipped butter is easy to get, it makes for a tastier sandwich, which does not soak into the bread. Place other condiments between the layers of meat or lettuce that is going into the sandwich.
When making a sandwich consider do you want a sandwich that is Tangy, sweet, or salty. This will determine the ingredients. Be creative with your addons. Instead of plain sliced cheddar cheese, try Swiss, mozzarella, or… A hand full of potato chips can be between the bread. This will add texture, crunch, and saltiness. Fresh meat is always a better choice. Plan and use leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Thinly sliced chicken, pork, turkey, or beef is always better than packaged cold cuts.
When afield, you want a sandwich that will not spoil. This means that some condiments and ingredients may be off the list unless you have a cooler or are afield on cooler days. Mustard, relish, horseradish, and prepared condiments are less likely to spoil. Mayonnaise will go bad on a sweltering day.
Outdoor folks enjoy making their own sandwich afield if it issimple and easy. Make the kit so that it is in one container or sack. Include napkins, and plastic utensils. You can also add ice into a sealed container or zip bag to keep the contents cool. Small freezer packs are also available.
When I make a sandwich afield, it needs to be like a sandwich Dagwood Bumstead would make. Plenty of everything but will not fall apart and will fit in your buddy’s big mouth.
Summer Tomato sandwiches
This recipe is so simple. Keep the mayonnaise in the cooler. The large summer tomatoes and cucumber can be outside, since that is where they grow. Slice the tomatoes almost all the way through, then fold them over. This way you get a figure 8 slice that covers the bread and will not slide off. A few layers ofsalted and peppered veggies will do. Now skin and slice the cucumbers and lay on top. Salt and pepper them. Use your sturdy bread and smear on some mayo, or favorite sandwich creamy sauce. Too much sauce or seasoned oil will make the sandwich a soggy mess. Less is more. In a pinch I have used Tartar sauce, horseradish sauce, or a sandwich spread that had relish mixed in. Hungry sports will devour this sandwich.
Shrimp Salad Sandwiches
Make the shrimp salad ahead of time, and peel/devein. You can steam your own shrimp or get the canned, cooked ones. They also sell cleaned and cooked shrimp that are ready to go. I prefer freshly cooked ones. Chop the cooked shrimp into olive sized chunks. Add a sprinkle of lemon juice, chopped celery, Old Bay seafood seasoning and Mayonnaise. Store in a container. Hard rolls are best. Cut the roll and build on site.
If you are making a fresh sandwich for your pack, place the shrimp salad, tuna salad, ham, or chicken salad in a zip lock back. This way the moisture in the salad will not soak into and soften your bread. Other add ons, like pickles, peppers, or olives can be added when making the sandwich.
Wraps
If bread is not an option, make wraps using tortillas. These sturdy and round, flatbreads are durable and easy to eat. Butter the tortilla first to add flavor and protect the bread from getting soaked in any juice or moisture from other ingredients. Now layer on your meats, lettuce, relishes, or thinly sliced pepperoncini, artichokes, or… These roll ups are durable, more smash proof, and tasty.
Be Creative! If there is ever a time when you are hunting, hiking, and fishing friends are more willing to try something different, its when they are hungry and its all there is to eat. Usually, they will be happy and surprised.
Textures are important. When we eat, its nice to feel and taste our food. Something crunchy will add texture. Maybe somesliced cucumbers, or onions. If you are not sure about your crews’ tastes, allow them to build their own sandwich.
Hunters and anglers that are fat and full are happier.
Montana Grant
