British Sandwich Week is here!! One of the tastiest weeks of the year

British Sandwich Week is ALL about Sandwiches!! Named in 1726 after John Montague – The Earl of Sandwich, they were enjoyed by the British upper crust in Gentleman`s clubs but now this wonderful invention is the nations favourite lunch.

Sandwiches!! We just can`t get enough of them and consume a staggering 11.5 billion sandwiches every year, with over 3.2 billion carried out of the home each year in lunch bags, lunch tins and school lunch boxes. Sarnie, Sanger,Buttie, whatever you like to call the humble sandwich one thing is certain…It is a delicious wonder to behold. But which fabulous filling do you like to squeeze between your slices? Help celebrate British Sandwich Week with one of our classic favourites.

A Classic Combo – Wiltshire Ham and Cheddar Cheese Toastie

What`s not to love? A thick slice of Wiltshire ham, gooey,oozy Cheddar cheese, grilled bread with crispy cheesy corners. Molten Heaven!! To create this classic you will need: 2 Slices White Bread, Cheddar Cheese, A thick slice of Wiltshire Ham, Plenty of melted butter - Simply sandwich the cheese and ham between the 2 slices of bread. Brush both sides of the sandwich with the melted butter and place in a toastie machine until golden and bubbling. A British Sandwich week favourite.

The Ultimate Steak and Stilton Sandwich

Mmmm!! Juicy steak, caramelised onions and some tongue tickling Stilton….Don`t forget the English Mustard on the side. This works wonderfully well on a ciabatta. For 2 sandwiches you will need: 2 Ciabatta Rolls, ½ Onion finely sliced, A dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar (optional), 100g Sirloin or Rump Steak, 50g Stilton, 50 g Rocket or Watercress

It`s important to get your onions super sweet for this recipe so cook your onions in a little olive oil for about 10 mins on a medium heat, I like to add a dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar at the end of the cooking time!!. Next heat up a griddle pan until smokin` hot!! Season the steak and griddle for 2 minutes on each side for rare, 3 minutes on each side for medium and then leave to rest for about 10 minutes. Trust me it will be worth the wait. Now slice open the ciabatta rolls and place them on griddle face down for about a minute so you get a little charring. Thinly slice the steak and now all you need to do is construct this masterpiece. I put the rocket on the bottom, followed by the steak, then the stilton, topped by the warm onions. You could top it off with a dollop of English Mustard for that extra zing!! Delish.

The Great British Bacon Sarnie

British Sandwich Week would not be the same without this classic sarnie. But can The Great Bacon Sarnie really be beaten? It has been known to convert the most staunch vegetarians and 10% of all Britons put this fine specimen of a sarnie at the top their favourite sandwich list, so in honour of a nation of Bacon lovers it makes our list too. The best quality British bacon and hand sliced bread or a crusty roll are needed to do this super sarnie justice. We love Jamie Oliver`s take on the beast that is the Bacon Sarnie.

The Good Ol` Chip Buttie

No self respecting British Sandwich guide would ever dream of leaving this gem of a buttie off their favourite sandwich list. Yes we know it is as unhealthy as it comes, but it`s gotta be done every now and again….ONLY on white bread though!! This has to be everyone`s guilty pleasure and whether you use homemade chips, french fries or chippy chips, this is a real crowd pleaser. I like mine with a dollop of mayo!!

The Comforter that is….The Egg Mayo!!

Comfort food at it`s very best. Creamy egg mayo filling sandwiched between 2 slices of soft rye bread..yummy!!Of course you can use your favourite bread but rye is mine. The trick is not to mash up your eggs to much. Chop rather than mash!! You still want a nice chunky texture. I like to add a few sliced spring onions and a dash of dijon mustard to the mix too. A pinch of S&P and job done. For an extra kick add a splash of tabasco or a pinch of parika. Check out a fab egg mayo recipe here.

If your as barmy about your sarnies as we are then celebrate British Sandwich Week in style. To be in with a chance to win 1000 lunches then click here to enter The British Sandwich Association competition