If you are a do-it-yourself kinda person, you’re probably also rather keen on taking on every single aspect of a picnic party, including preparing your own selection of sandwiches. It is a matter of temperament. Some people thoroughly enjoy having a hand in every single detail, especially when it involves preparing the food.

If you are new to this, you might feel like you need a small nudge of inspiration to get you going. For instance, how do you know how much meat and cheese to purchase at the deli? And what sort of bread should you get? Here are some simple pointers to build an appetizing sandwich tray like a pro. First, the Mars and Venus question… yes, men and women truly have different tastes in sandwiches and overall buffet fare.

Research shows that women eat more from the side dishes and veggie trays than men. In addition to this, women are more likely to favor sandwiches that include fresh lettuce and tomato. Finally, always according to research, women choose white and pink meat sandwiches (poultry and ham) over red. What does research tell us about men? Definitely carnivores, and red meat is a favorite. Side dishes are not as popular with men. When planning to get the ingredients you need to make your own party or picnic sandwiches, consider the percentage of men to women you expect at your event. Of course, you will probably prove research wrong in some instances and it helps to know individual preferences when possible.

Grinder buns are usually a favorite. They are easy to handle with one hand, while standing around chatting and holding a beverage, for example. They also tend to stay moist longer. You can get these at your deli counter. You might want to call ahead if you need many.

When getting your meats, ask for thin slices. Why? Remember that a sandwich is essentially a layered food. As such, it provides the most enjoyable biting experience when the layers are dynamic and slabs of cold cuts are simply not as appealing to the eye or palate. Thin meats, on the other hand, can be bunched up in the sandwich, giving it volume and texture. That’s just a little structural food science for you!

Last, but surely not least, we must answer the initial question (we got sidetracked in delightful preparation): How many sandwiches and sliced meat and cheese do you need? In general, plan on 1 1/2 sandwich per person. Considering the number of guests is the easiest way to determine how much deli meat and cheese to get. Simply think about how much you would want in your own sandwich and multiply. Also, cut the sandwiches in 1/2 to display an assortment of bites that are large enough to satisfy, yet conveniently sized for easy handling.

Ho! And since not everyone likes lettuce and tomatoes on their sandwiches, you can serve some of these on their own dish with a sign that says “For sandwiches only.” In fact, this is a very appealing way to serve your sandwiches since having a hand in the final product adds undeniable pleasure to the experience.

Food & Drink 101 – Drinks in a Wagon

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