I was referring to the Rueben sandwich. They’re even spelled differently.
We had Ruebens for dinner last night. Yes, I make my Ruebens as open-faced sandwiches under the broiler. My only explanation is because that’s the way my mother makes them. No, I’ve never seen them made this way in any restaurant. It’s strictly a family thing.
It takes a little bit longer to make the Rueben in stages but there are advantages. The rye or pumpernickel or marbled rye bread gets nicely toasted without the greasiness of the griddle. All the layers get warmed through including the sauerkraut. Nothing depresses a Rueben more than biting in and encountering cold sauerkraut. Then finally, the Swiss cheese gets all bubbly, brown, and crispy on top. Mmmm.
Every time I make Ruebens I get the chance to chuckle at my EX-husband’s small-mindedness. The one and only time I made him a Rueben sandwich he looked at it confused.
Ex: What is it?
PLRH: It’s a Rueben.
Ex: No, it’s not.
PLRH: Yes, it is.
Ex: It’s supposed to have a top.
PLRH: Not the way I make it.
Ex: How am I supposed to eat it?
I point to the knife and fork next to his plate.
Then in an act that I can only describe as a failure to think outside the box, he grabbed an untoasted piece of bread, slapped it on top of the sandwich, picked it up with two hands, and ate it.
Go ahead, you can call him a dumbass.
For those of you wondering why I made so many open-faced sandwiches… The set of four sitting on their very own baking sheet belong to Mr. A. The rest of us jockeyed for the others.
Note: My Sweetie eat the Ruebens topless just fine. I'll make them for him anytime.
Top Image:
Venus, Cupid, Bacchus and Ceres
1612-13
Peter Paul Rubens
Staatliche Kunstsammlugen, Kassel, Germany
10 comments:
I love a Rueben. I've got a Panini maker, so I make mine with a top. Not greasy, no cold sauerkraut.
But crispy cheese sounds good. I'll have to try an open top next time.
Your hubby is too funny...he solved his problem!
I immediately thought of the sandwich because I am a big fan of a good Reuben (sans Thousand Island). Those look delicious. I'd gladly eat it with a knife and fork!
EX-HUSBAND!
WE like our ruebens grilled, but I'm willing to go topless for a change.
I, like Joey, immediately thought SANDWICH. A turkey rueben is just about the perfect sandwich! I agree with you. The sauerkraut has to be warm. I've gone as far as heating it in the microwave before grilling. I think I definitely have to explore the "topless" rueben!
I immediately thought sandwich, which is sort of embarrassing, actually, since I'm an Art teacher and I don't even eat meat. Since I'm also an English major, we'll just say I caught the spelling difference ;)
Hilarious, Cynthia! You know, most men love anything topless.
Is Dumbass all i get to call him. Sorry knew the man.
This made me hungry at 9am and for someone who has not been eating meat for well over a year that's amazing. Headed to the store tomorrow night to make my own. Turkey of course...
Your ex is a purist. He gets points for making it work. Tim Gunn would be proud of him.
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