Popular Sarnies...

Okay, if you are not British, you probably won't have a clue about the title!  A "sarnie" is slang for a sandwich.  Not a burger, a sub, or anything fancy, and not toasted, just some filling slapped between a couple of slices of bread!  The British love their sandwiches, and are quite happy with something quite basic.
The first thing to remember is that British sandwiches are made with butter.  Not mayo, or mustard, or things like that; if they are used, it is just as a garnish.  The next thing to remember is that traditionally, any kind of meat sandwich invariably only uses one kind of meat - no turkey on a roast beef sandwich, for example.  In addition, where cheese is used as an "extra topping" in the United States, it is pretty much the basis of the entire sandwich culture in the UK!

Yup, we love cheese sarnies.  Mostly a good mature cheddar, it can be sliced or grated.  A plain cheese sarnie made with bread, butter, and cheese, is as good as it gets.  However, cheese is one sandwich item that often receives some accompaniment.  Thinly sliced raw onion is one of the most common.  So too is tomato. although personally, I don't eat tomatoes on a sandwich because I find it makes them soggy.  Other salad items used to add flair to cheese are lettuce, cucumber, and watercress.  Beetroot (beets, to American) are also good, although it is better if they are unpickled.  Sprinkle a little salt on them, and it really goes well with a mature cheddar.

Roast beef is used for sandwiches, as is ham.  Ham and Swiss is not popular in the UK, but then again, Swiss is an American cheese.  Yes, for American readers of this blog, "Swiss cheese" is NOT from Switzerland!  Cheddar cheese can be used, but the most common item with both ham and beef is English mustard.  If you haven't had English mustard, be warned.  It may look like just another yellow mustard, but it has a kick on it like a mule!  Use sparingly.

Fish fillings are also popular.  I don't mean fried fish sandwiches either.  I am talking about from a can!  Of course, canned salmon and tuna are used, but not as much as sardines and pilchards.  Then, there is the famous fish paste.  This is like a pate, and purchased in small jars.  Two favourites are sardine & tomato, and salmon & shrimp.  Kids love 'em.

Breakfast foods are widely used, and bacon sarnies are another staple of the British diet.  Don't forget, bacon in the UK is not like American bacon; they are large, thick rashers of meat, rather than small strips of fat, fried to a crisp.  Sausage sandwiches - links sliced in half - are found in many local bakeries.  Combine the bacon and sausage, add a fried egg, and there you have a Breakfast of Champions!

The last one I will discuss is the most fabulous of all - the chip butty!  Simply chips (french fries) wrapped in a slice of bread, a soft bun, or a nice crusty roll.  Usually made at home, they can be found in fish and chip shops in the North of England.  Even in restaurants here, I will make a chip butty or two if I have rolls or toast with a meal...

So, now you know all about British sarnies, you should try some!