Reubens

I don't really know when my love affair with the reuben andwich began. I think i've always enjoyed them, but after a mission to Russia (where i learned to make costco-sized portions of sauerkraut out of a big laundry tub...no lie) and a refining of my palette later in life, I'm really hooked. I've found some great recipes and decided to just post one here. There are lots of variations, so play with it depending on your tastes. (But don't leave out the sauerkraut!)


Reuben Sandwich (courtesy Simply Recipes)
2 Tbsp butter, softened
8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone, gruyere, etc)
3/4 lb corned beef brisket, thinly sliced (i've also used pastrami or other yummy deli meats)
1/2 lb sauerkraut
1/4 cup Russian Dressing

Russian Dressing:
Combine:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tbsp ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 Butter one side of four slices of bread, and place the slices buttered-side down on a large piece of wax paper on a flat surface. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, and then divide half of the corned beef among them.
2 Using paper towels, squeeze out excess moisture from the sauerkraut. Divide the sauerkraut among the sandwiches, and top each with one tablespoon of Russian dressing. Add another layer of corned beef and a second slice of Swiss cheese to each sandwich. Top with the remaining bread slices; butter the side facing out.
3 Preheat a griddle or frying pan to medium heat. Cook the sandwiches on one side until the bread is golden brown. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwiches over and finish cooking on the second side. Cut the sandwiches in half before serving.

Dip in remaining Russian dressing!
Makes 4 sandwiches