Veggie sandwiches make great lunches and snacks, and are easy to pack up and take with you wherever you go. Here are a hot and cold version, both with lots of cheese and fresh produce (not to mention plenty of flavor). If you want to try building your own, just read on to learn how to make a vegetarian sandwich.

• Sandwiches have long been favorite American lunch staples. There are countless combinations of breads, fillings and spreads that may be used to build them, and these vegetarian recipes may be tweaked and changed according to your personal taste. The only rule to remember is that structural integrity should never be compromised -- after all, nobody wants a sandwich that falls apart in their hands! Stack ingredients neatly and tightly to avoid landslides. Also, use a fat barrier such as mayo, hummus or avocado on bread that is in contact with moist veggies (like lettuce and tomato) in order to avoid a soggy sandwich.

• These are the ingredients for a single sandwich. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly if you are serving more than one person.

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  (Creative Commons photo by Ruth L)

• 2 Slices sourdough, rye, or other sturdy bread

• 1 Slice provolone cheese (use soy cheese if desired)

• 1 Slice Swiss cheese (use soy cheese if desired)

• 2 Tomato slices

• 2 Pickle slices

• 1 tsp. Onion, minced

• 1 Mushroom, thinly sliced

• 1 Tbsp. Sliced olives

• 1 Romaine lettuce leaf

• 1/4 Avocado, sliced

• Salt and black pepper

• 2 Tbsp. Hummus

1. Spread 1 Tbsp. of hummus onto a slice of bread

2. Lay cheeses on top of hummus

3. Add tomato, pickle, onion, mushroom, and olives

4. Salt and pepper to taste

5. Top with lettuce, creating a canopy

6. Spread remaining hummus on top bread slice

7. Press avocado slices into the hummus

8. Place top slice onto the bottom half of your sandwich

9. Serve or refrigerate in an airtight container

• 2 Slices whole wheat, or other sturdy bread

• 2 Slices tangy melting cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss (or soy cheese for vegans)

• 3-4 Slices bell pepper

• 2 Slices tomato

• 1 tsp. Onion, minced

• 1/4 Avocado, sliced

• 2 Tbsp. Butter or margarine

• Salt and black pepper

1. Heat a large frying pan on medium
2. Add butter or margarine
3. Place bread slices in pan, and toast for about 2 minutes
4. Flip bread over
5. Place one slice of cheese on a piece of bread, followed by veggies, salt and pepper, and top with the second slice of cheese
6. Place the other bread slice on top, toasted side down
7. Cover pan
8. Flip sandwich after 3-4 minutes
9. Continue grilling until cheese is completely melted
10. Serve hot

• Note: Pepper and onion may be sauteed first if you prefer more tender veggies.

• The above recipes will help you create filling, nutritious sandwiches. Mix and match ingredients as you please. If you prefer to stick to classic flavors, for example, use tried-n-true mustard and mayonnaise instead of the hummus spread. If you don't like tomatoes, try cucumbers. If you're super hungry, use croissants or focaccia for an extra-hearty meal. There are many possibilities, and it's hard to go wrong as long as you use fresh, flavorful ingredients.

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