Italian Style Mini Hoagie

I was born in Philly and that is where my love for a Hoagie was born. Being a Maryland girl makes you yearn for the great tasting Hoagie's from Philly. The roll and condiments are the key! This is my version, and so far my Hoagie's have been getting a big thumbs up from everyone that eats one. My biggest Hoagie fan was my Stud Muffin until......I met Jim Rollins. Now, Jim Rollins is by far my biggest Hoagie fan. Go Jim!

I first met him when he came to our house to give us an estimate for a generator.  We could tell he knew his business well and is a top notch electrician. He's a busy man teaching students at FCC and also running his business, Rollins Repair. Long story short, I made lunch for everyone the day our generator was installed. That is the day that Jim became addicted to my Hoagies. I have made many for him and he wants me to sell them to him, but good recipes are meant to be shared. I dedicate this blog post to Jim Rollins, my biggest Hoagie fan. He's a personable guy, and deserves the all you can eat Hoagie of his choice. I feel like I made a friend for life. Once again it shows how food can bring people together. 

Below you will see a pic of my ingredients. I buy the Light Mayonnaise (seasonal), Turkey Breast, Amoroso's Club rolls and Mild Banana Pepper rings at Aldi. The Bell-View Hoagie Spread and Reduced Fat Provolone I buy at Giant Eagle. You can get the Campari tomatoes in most grocery stores.

The Club rolls make a nice mini Hoagie but the Amoroso's also sell a Hoagie roll that is about double the size of the Club roll. If you want a larger Hoagie ( Aldi sells that size as well), go for it. Also be creative and change the meat or cheese. Add Salami or Prosciutto for a more truer version. I personally don't eat any red meat, so it fits my needs perfectly. Also, if you want more heat, use Hot Banana Peppers. I don't use salt as it's really not needed and I'm sure you noticed my reduced fat usage as well. If you want to make your fat cells sing, go for it, just don't use reduced fat products. 

INGREDIENTS;

1. Amoroso rolls
2.  Light Mayo
3. Hoagie Spread
4. Turkey Breast lunchmeat
5. Reduced Fat Provolone slices
6. Campari tomatoes
7. dried Oregano
8. Freshly ground black pepper
9. Banana pepper rings
10. Sweet onion, sliced very thin
11. Mild Banana Pepper rings
12. Romaine lettuce, or shredded iceburg
13. Sandwich picks

DIRECTIONS;

• Slice partially cut roll all the way through
• Spread mayo to both insides of roll
• Spread Hoagie spread on top of mayo, but only on the bottom layer
• Add cheese slice & turkey, cut to fit roll if needed.
• Slice a Campari tomato so that you get 3 middle slices, toss away ends
• Sprinkle tomato generously with oregano & black pepper
• Banana peppers go on top of tomato, Pat dry on paper towel if too wet.
• Add onion slices
• Top with lettuce, then roll on top of lettuce.

I like to put a pick in the sandwich to help hold it together. The Campari tomatoes have a nice sweet flavor and are available year round. The rolls are the best this Italian girl from Philly can find in Maryland, and the turkey always has a nice fresh taste. What tops it off best is the hoagie spread, banana peppers and oregano.