Mr. Food Test Kitchen: February 15, 2013

Sandwiches sure have evolved over time, and today it seems like specialty sandwich shops are popping up on every corner. So maybe it's time you upgrade your old standby sandwich. Well, you can and we have an easy one to get you started. It's meaty, it's hearty and it's piled high with lots of goodness. And it goes like this. On a ciabatta or an Italian bread that we cut in half lengthwise, we schmear each cut side with some herb cheese (and you can even use an herb cream cheese if you prefer). On goes a layer of thinly sliced roast beef-sort of fold it, so your sandwich looks really hearty. Now on top of that, some roasted red peppers. Just make sure you drain 'em well, so you don't end up with a soggy sandwich. Next, a layer of provolone cheese (that'll add a nice mild smoky flavor), and the crowning jewel to this masterpiece:  A layer of store-bought onion rings (that'll give it extra texture and crunch). Then all we need to do is pop these open-faced sandwiches into the oven, and that's it. And talk about versatile: these are great for lunch or dinner. Maybe even sprinkle on a little extra steak seasoning for extra "wow" and you're all set. They can even be cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer. Any way you serve these messy-in-a-good-way sandwiches, watch 'em disappear. The recipe for "Roast Beef Pub Triple Decker" is online now waiting to help you get out of your sandwich rut.  And once you get a taste of all this meaty-cheesy-crunchy flavor, you're gonna think twice about going back to your old standby hoagie, and as we say around here ... "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!"