Rachel (Reuben) Sandwiches

I think, when the boy gets to heaven, he will find it a never ending sandwich counter. This will make 4 sandwiches – there are only 2 of us but one will not be enough. The key ingredient is the Pastrami. Wafer thin slices from plastic supermarket packs won’t do it. Find a Deli that makes their own. That way you won’t feel that sandwiches are a compromise version of dinner.

8 slices light rye or sourdough bread

400g pastrami

12tbsp sauerkraut

8 slices gruyere

Russian Dressing

4tbsp mayonnaise

4tbsp horseradish sauce

2tbsp tomato ketchup

1tbsp grated onion

The boy has been playing hockey. With all the rain, he comes home incredibly muddy, wet, cold and hungry. Pop him into the shower and his kit into the washing machine. Carry on listening to Radio 4. Make the dressing by combining all the ingredients. The strength of the horseradish is up to you, though I don’t think you’re looking for the fieriest kind.

Spread one side of all of the bread with the dressing. Pile on the pastrami – it should be very thick. Top with well drained sauerkraut and then the gruyere. There’s something satisfying about the holes in gruyere.

The boy emerges from the shower with a white towel around his waist, oblivious to the effect he’s having on you. He’s worked up an appetite. Top the towering sandwich with the other piece of bread and butter the top and bottom.

Heat a dry frying pan and carefully fry the bottom of the first sandwich, holding it down so it stays together. When golden on the bottom, cook the other side. Hopefully the cheese will start melting. Do the same for all four sandwiches. Cut each in half vertically so they are somewhat more manageable, but feel free to stack them up so they look epic.

I’m impressed that the boy feels a squirt of English mustard would be good for dipping corners into, as we do have milder French and American mustard. We’re having cups of strong coffee and he’s talking about the almost goals, if it wasn’t for the mud. His hair is almost dry but he’s in no hurry to get dressed.