Connecticut’s Sourdough Connection

Today is Nation Connecticut Day. It’s an opportunity to learn new and interesting things about the southern most New England state. Did you know that Connecticut has a long maritime history with a reputation based on that rich history, yet Connecticut has no direct oceanfront. The coast of Connecticut sits on Long Island Sound, which is an estuary.

The world’s first nuclear submarine was constructed in Groton, Connecticut. Construction began in 1952, completed in 1954. The USS Nautilus remained in service for 25 years.

Connecticut never ratified the 18th Amendment, also known as prohibition.

The Official State song of Connecticut is Yankee Doodle.

In order for a pickle to be considered a pickle in Connecticut, it must bounce. Those are the rules.

In Connecticut’s state capital, Hartford, it is illegal to walk on your hands. Don’t ask why.

Hartford is known as the Insurance Capital of the World. In 1898, the first car insurance policy in America was issued there.

The first speed limit law in American was passed in Connecticut in 1901. Wonder if the Insurance Industry had a hand in that one. The law limited the speed of automobiles to 12 miles per hour on city streets and a whopping 15 out on country roads.

Today, Connecticut’s picturesque small towns of the northeast and northwest corners of the state stand in stark contrast to the industrial cities such as Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven.

In 2020, Connecticut (like most of the country) was searching for recipes for the homebound cook. In Connecticut, at the top of that list was Sourdough Bread. I have yet to understand why, with all the breads to bake, Sourdough seemed the most popular Pandemic Bake. Perhaps it was the starter – something that needed to be nurtured and fed and kept alive. With sourdough, it’s not just a matter of mixing, kneading, rising and baking. There’s an entire process involved. I guess the homebound were looking for anything to stay busy.

While I’m not really into keeping things alive in my refrigerator, I am a big fan of Sourdough Bread. Especially San Francisco Sourdough – best in the nation. I’m also a fan of grilled sourdough sandwiches. And let’s face it, nothing compares to a crisp, warm Panini.

Connecticut’s Sourdough Chicken Paninis
1 ripe Avocado
1 large Beefsteak Tomato
16 oz sliced Deli Roast Chicken Lunchmeat
8 slices Sourdough Bread
8 teaspoons Mayonnaise
8 large Basil Leaves
4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Heat a panini press.

Peel and thinly slice avocado set aside until ready to assemble sandwiches. Thinly slice tomato, set aside.

Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of each each slice of bread. Place 2 basil leaves on 4 slices of bread over the mayonnaise.

Layer cheese, chicken, avocado and tomato on top of the basil. Top with remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise side down.

Place on panini press and grill until cheese melts, about 10 minutes depending upon press.