Jen Hatmaker’s Grocery Day Super Sandwich

In Jen Hatmaker’s book, “Of Mess and Moxie,” she provided her go-to recipe for the days she goes to the grocery store. Easy, delicious and the kids will eat it? She piqued my interest. I had to try it.

“This is not the day to make an elaborate meal, because we have angry feelings toward the food.”

Jen Hatmaker

It was actually the first time I’ve gone to the deli/bakery at this grocery store, but I figured I could do this! I had two hiccups.

1. I waited until the end of the trip to go to the deli, but the guy was SO SLOW that I could’ve picked up a few more ingredients while waiting. Usually NBD unless you have a crying baby with you. Sorry other patrons!
2. I asked the bakery to cut the bread for me, not realizing she didn’t know I needed it horizontal, not sandwich slices. So, I then bought a second loaf for this sandwich. <face palm>

Then, it was time for the ingredients. I made a few changes….

1. Jen is all about butter lettuce, but I had never heard of it. Since I know darker lettuce is healthier, I opted for a spring mix instead.
2. Jen is all about the homemade marinara sauce. I did not have time to make my own sauce. I instead bought pizza sauce. It was in the cold area, so I’m assuming it’s fresh. That’s practically the same thing, right?
3. I forgot to buy the onion.
4. I left off the basil. I have never once used an entire bunch of fresh basil and could not stand watching another bunch go to waste after I pulled off a few pieces for this sandwich.

Despite my tweaks, the sandwich looked IMPRESSIVE while putting it together. It totally beats my go-to peanut butter sandwich (yes, just peanut butter and bread).

Here’s the final sandwich before I put the top on….

I put the sandwich on foil because it is easier to clean-up.

And then here is the final sandwich after coming out of the oven. It smelled GREAT!

Not only did the kids eat the sandwich (and of course the pineapple), but my son even asked for seconds! Jen was right; the sandwich was easy to assemble and was delicious. Plus, the extra side of marinara sauce and pineapple was a nice addition.

The only downside? Between the layers and marinara sauce, it is a bit messy, but it is WORTH IT! Serve with a napkin 🙂 Thank you Jen!

It was actually so tasty and kid-friendly that the next weekend we had friends over at the last minute, so I ran to the grocery store and bought more ingredients for this sandwich. All four kids ate it!

Another bonus? It was easy to remember the ingredients in a pinch!