Monday, October 14, 2013

Inspired by pasta (and a BLT)

When I found out that Hidden Valley had some new sandwich spreads, of course I wanted to play with them. These are interesting because they're made with white beans and cream cheese. The use of beans makes them a healthier option, but to be honest, I didn't know the beans were in there until long after the sandwiches had disappeared.

There are four flavors: Smoked Bacon Ranch, Country Herb Ranch, Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan and Spicy Chipotle Pepper. I chose the Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan. It reminded me of a pasta dish, with the garlic and cheese, and the first thing I thought of for a sandwich was chicken. I started by making a chunky chicken salad with diced chicken breast, sliced olives, and celery. I didn't need any more flavoring - the sandwich spread added everything I needed. It would have been good on its own - maybe in a lettuce wrap. But I made a more traditional sandwich - and of course it was on home made bread, because that's how I roll.

The spread I used would be great as a dip for vegetables, and would make great garlic bread. I could also imagine it drizzled over cooked vegetables or as a white sauce on a pizza. Lots of uses besides sandwiches, that's for sure.

But for today, here's a sandwich.

Inspired by Pasta (and a BLT)

1 cooked chicken breast (home cooked or a rotisserie chicken will be just fine)
12 olives, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2-4 tablespoons Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan sandwich spread
4 slices bread
1 large tomato, sliced
4 strips bacon, cooked

Combine the chicken, olives, and celery. Add 2 tablespoons of the sandwich spread and mix well. Add more if you prefer.

Divide the chicken salad onto 2 slices of bread. Add the bacon and tomato. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Slice and serve.

Hidden Valley’s line of new Sandwich Spreads & Dips will take your boring sandwich routine to another level. With new flavors like Spicy Chipotle Pepper and Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan, your mouth will be thanking you and you’ll be on your way to delivering sandwich-envy.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hidden Valley Ranch. The opinions and text are all mine.
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