Six Foot Meatless Italian Hero Recipes

ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, oregano, mustard, salt and pepper.
• Stir to mix well.
• Whisk in the olive oil until incorporated.
• On a work surface, lay out 3 long pieces of plastic wrap, placing them side by side and slightly overlapping.
• Place the bottom half of the loaf over the wrap.
• Spread the pepperoncini and cherry peppers over the bread.
• Scatter evenly with the lettuce and layer with the tomatoes.
• Drizzle with a few tablespoons of the dressing.
• Layer the meats, one at a time, over the tomatoes, making sure to distribute them evenly.
• Top with a layer of provolone cheese.
• Drizzle the remaining dressing over the cut side of the top of the loaf.
• Place on the layered sandwich and enclose in the plastic.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 4 hours to develop the flavors.
• To serve, unwrap the sandwich and slice into large pieces about 3 to 4 inches wide.

SIX-FOOT NACHOS

Steps:

• For the red block: Toss together the kidney beans, tomatoes, hot sauce and a large pinch of salt in a medium bowl or container with a lid and refrigerate. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the orange block: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring and breaking up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and a large pinch of salt and toss until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Cool completely and refrigerate in a medium bowl or container with a lid. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the yellow block: Toss together the corn and cojita in a medium bowl or container with a lid and refrigerate. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the green block: Toss together the scallions and cilantro in a small bowl or container with a lid and refrigerate. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the purple block: Toss together the cabbage and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Put the red onions in a small bowl of ice water. Let the cabbage and onions sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pour off any accumulated liquid from the cabbage and drain the onions. Refrigerate, separately, in their prep bowls or in containers with lids. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the black block: Toss together the beans and olives in a medium or container with a lid and refrigerate. This can be done up to 1 day ahead.
• For the cheese sauce: Working in batches, put the milk and cream cheese in a blender and puree. Pour into a very large pot and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to bubble. Add handfuls of both the Monterey Jack and American cheese at a time, stirring well after each addition, until melted and smooth. Once all of the cheese has been added, simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the garlic, vinegar and 1 tablespoon salt. Let the cheese sauce cool and thicken. Keep warm. (The cheese sauce can be made, cooled and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead and then reheated). Makes about 12 cups.
• Assemble the nachos: If making ahead and refrigerating the prepared ingredients in advance, let each bowl of ingredients sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour or microwave to just take the chill off. The green layer of scallions and cilantro is the exception: Keep refrigerated until using.
• Tape together two 7-foot lengths of parchment or wax paper to make one double-wide 7-foot sheet. Lay it, tape-side down, down the middle of a long table or countertop. Spread the chips out into a 1-foot-wide and 6-foot-long rectangle.
• Ladle about 3/4 of the cheese sauce (about 8 cups) all over the chips; reserve the remaining sauce to serve on the side. Starting at the left end of the rectangle, sprinkle the red block ingredients to cover a 12-inch square and top with the sliced Fresno chiles. Next to the red block, sprinkle the orange ingredients to cover another 12 inches. Next to the orange block, follow up with the yellow ingredients and top with the sliced pepperoncini. Next sprinkle the green ingredients and top with the avocado. Then do the purple ingredients, and finally finish the last 12 inches with the black ingredients.
• Encourage your guests to fill their plates with nachos and top them with extra cheese sauce, sour cream, hot sauce and salsa. Platefuls of nachos can be reheated in the microwave, toaster oven or conventional oven if desired.

ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Rinse the red onion under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the red wine vinegar, dried oregano and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
• Arrange the rolls cut side up so they lie flat. Spread with a thin layer of mustard and/or mayonnaise, if using. Shingle the entire surface with the cheese, then the cured meats. Scatter an even layer of pickled peppers.
• Add the iceberg lettuce and olive oil to the onion-oregano mixture and toss until well coated. Season to taste with salt. Pile the lettuce on one side of the sandwich, then close the sandwich and press down lightly. If packing, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, then cut in half crosswise. Sandwiches will keep for up to 4 hours refrigerated.