The Frugal Foodie: Cuban Sandwiches from The Happ Inn

Sandwiches are an easy crowd-pleaser. They work for lunch, dinner, parties and just about any other occasion you need to feed multiple, potentially picky eaters. Next time you get a little tired of the standard ham and swiss, try your hand at Cuban panini, just like the one at Northfield restaurant, . (Hint: It's best if you have a panini press for this recipe).

Ham by the numbers

Depending on your taste for ham, you might want to shop at a bigger grocery with lots of selection. If you're satisfied with Black Forest Ham however, Foodstuffs has the best for the price.

: Pressed Cuban Sandwich, $8.95 for one

: Black Forest Ham, $8.99 per pound

: The Grand's Own Honey Bear Ham, $10.99 per pound

What you'll need:

• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/4 pound baked ham, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound roast pork, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 10 thin dill pickle slices, approximately 2 whole pickles
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Directions

Slice the bread horizontally in half, leaving one edge intact. Lay the bread open and spread each side with the mustard. Divide the ingredients evenly among the slices of roll. Start with the ham followed by the pork, cheese, and dill pickles. Bring the tops and bottoms together.

Heat your panini maker or sandwich press (if you don't have a press, use a buttered, non-stick fry pan. Have a cast iron skillet or other heavy pot to press on top of your sandwiches while they cook. Flip after five minutes). Butter each side of the press. Place the sandwiches inside, press down and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is flat and browned, approximately 10 minutes. Serve warm.