Strawberry, Balsamic, and Ham Toasted Sandwich

This is the perfect sandwich to enjoy nice weather on a warm summer day, or a perky taste to reenergize your brain on a lunch break! It's light, easy to assemble and eat, and keeps your belly satisfied...unless it just wants to eat it endlessly because it is that good!

The unique blend of flavors is so refreshing, but with simple ingredients that you probably already have at your house. Citrus-infused cream cheese is spread on top of a toasted slice of bread, then topped with salty ham, peppery honey-glazed strawberries, fresh veggies and herbs, and another slice of toast. Dip the sandwich in a balsamic oil mix to add tanginess to the already savory and sweet, juicy and crunchy delicacy.

Sorry, where am I? Outside a fancy café in Italy, enjoying the scenery of cobblestone and boats slowly floating down the canal? Nope, just sitting here at my house. Eating Lunch.

This should take 3-8 minutes to make.

For 1 Sandwich:

• 2 slices Bread of choice
• 1-3 Strawberries (depending on size)
• Dollop of Honey
• Pinch of Salt
• Pinch of Pepper
• 1/8 Lemon (or 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice)
• 2-3 Tbs. Cream Cheese
• 2-3 Tbs. Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp. Olive Oil
• 3-5 thin slices Cucumber
• 3-5 pieces Black Forest Deli Ham
• Several Pieces of Spinach, or Lettuce, or both
• 3-4 leaves Fresh Basil (optional)

Tools/Dishware:

• 2-3 Small Bowls or Dishes
• Plate
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Fork
• Butter/Table Knife
• Measuring Spoons
• Toaster

Toast the bread.

Put the cream cheese in a small bowl and microwave for 5-10 seconds, just enough to make it soft and spreadable. Squeeze and mix in the lemon, little drops at a time, until the cheese is at your preferred tartness.

Cut the tops off the strawberries, then add to a small bowl with honey, salt and pepper (to save dishes, use the same bowl as the cream cheese, just spread the cheese on the bread and rinse the bowl out). Mash until strawberries are desired size and consistency. My personal preference is to have some larger chunks still, but do as you like.

If you like, place the ham on a plate or paper towel and warm in the microwave for 10-20 seconds.

The cream cheese should start at the bottom; the fat can keep juices from making your sandwich soggy. Then top with ham, strawberries, cucumbers, basil (if desired), spinach and lettuce.

Squeeze what is left of the lemon into a small dish or bowl (you can use the same one as before if you like less dishes), then add balsamic vinegar and oil.

Some Tips:

- If you're doing this as meal prep, put the cream cheese and strawberries in separate containers and put on right before eating. This will prevent sogginess.

- You may not have some ingredients on hand, and that's okay. Below are some suggestions for replacing a few of the ingredients (but keep in mind that it may not taste as fresh, or the flavors may not blend as well):

• Honey - A different sweetener, or none at all
• Strawberries - Skip the honey-glazed strawberries step and put jam or fruit preserves on instead
• Olive Oil - Opt for no oil or just use a different kind
• Cream Cheese - Other soft cheeses may work. If necessary, you can just put any type of cheese on it and squeeze the whole lemon slice in the dip.
• Cucumber, Spinach, or Lettuce - Get creative with other Veggies!
• Lemon - Lemon juice, limes, or lime juice would also work.
• Black Forest Ham - Any other deli meat