Aurora Catering's

Cuban Sandwiches

Yield - 1/2 Baking Sheet or 6 - 15 inch long sandwiches (See Chef's Notes)

Ingredients
6 - 15  INCH HOAGIE BUNS 
HIGH QUALITY MAYONNAISE
3  LBS SMOKED HAM (Shaved)
1 - 1/2 LBS SWISS CHEESE (Sliced)
16 OZ DILL PICKLES CHIPS

Method
Slice the buns lengthwise, spread a very light coating of mayo on the both halves.  Next place a slice of cheese on both tops and bottoms.  Divide the ham evenly between the loafs and again arrange on both tops and bottoms. If you choose to use one of the alternate ingredients, then substitute for half the ham. Next arrange a row of pickles and fold over to construct the sandwiches.

Cooking Process:
The traditional way!  Preheat a large cast iron skillet to medium/low heat. Cut one of the sandwiches to fit in the skillet. Place the sandwich on the skillet then use another skillet and place that one on top of the sandwich. Use a brick if needed to add weight to the top skillet.  Allow the sandwich to cook for 2 -4 minutes or as the cheese starts to melt.  Remove the top skillet and brick.

Use a spatula to turn the sandwiches.  Replace the weights to grill the top side.  Grill for 2 -4 minutes or until the cheese again starts to melt. Remove the weight and remove the sandwiches with the spatula.  The sandwich should be a dark brown, but not burnt. Controlling the heat is very important, you want to brown the outside of the bun, but you also want to heat the sandwich through and through. My suggestion is to learn your equipment, and know how high you need your flame.

You can, of course use a George Forman Griddle or any residential Panini griddle, but this is the best way to accomplish your task as a Chef.