modom quoted Michael and replied:

>> It's 4am and I'm on call. I'm snacking on a toasted bagel smeared with a
>> gob of Barb's Pepper Jelly. Delish! What are your favorite snacks in
>> the middle of the night? I don't think I can do without this jelly in
>> the house.
>>
>> Michael
>
> Last night it was some thinly sliced leftover sirloin (grilled rare)
> mixed in a bowl with marinated artichoke hearts and halved cherry
> tomatoes. A few hard tack crackers and a beer along side.

Somehow I missed out on the beginning of this thread. The middle of the
night is about the only time I eat omelets. Tapas are great at that time
too; the combination of Manchego cheese and quince paste is a classic. Or a
selection of olives and cheeses. I'm also fond of the Cuban sandwich called
a "medianoche," whose name MEANS "midnight". This is from Steve Raichlen's
_Miami Spice_:

Media Noche (Midnight Sandwich)

1 bullet-shaped, slightly sweet roll, 6 to 7 inches long, or a section of
Cuban, French, or Italian bread the same length
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 ounces thinly sliced cold roast pork
2 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
1 ounce sliced Swiss cheese
3 thin slices of ripe tomato
1 or 2 iceberg lettuce leaves
3 to 4 thin slices dill pickle
About 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, at room temperature

1. Slice open the roll lengthwise. Spread the bottom with the mayonnaise,
the top with the mustard. Layer the sandwich with the pork, ham, cheese,
tomato, lettuce, and pickle. Cover with the top of the roll.

2. Lightly butter the entire outside of the sandwich. Place it in a
skillet over medium heat. Place a weight, like a bacon press, on top, or
flatten the sandwich with a long spatula.

3. Cook the sandwich until crusty and golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3
minutes pe side, adding butter as necessary. Slice the sandwich in half on
the diagonal and serve at once.

Note: For an alternative, if slightly unconventional way to make this and
other Cuban sandwiches, cut the uncooked sandwiches in half or quarters and
grill in an electric sandwich maker.


Bob