Typically when I cook up spaghetti and call my guys to dinner, Hubby will walk into the kitchen, look at the giant bowl of spaghetti and then open the front door to shout at the entire neighborhood that dinner is ready. I grew up in a house with two rules. Always make enough for unexpected guests and no one leaves the table hungry.
My parents weren’t people of means by a long shot. They were middle class folks. Both were born in the depression, but under very different circumstances. Dad’s family was from Oklahoma. Mom was born into a wealthy family in the Philippines. Dad grew up learning to stretch what food they had in creative ways. Mom had servants to worry about such things. In Filipino culture family isn’t just a mom, dad and a few kids. No, families are extended. Aunts, uncles, cousins were all considered immediate family. Family is family – no matter how many times removed. A full house is a happy and blessed house. Growing up, it was our house that was always fully blessed.
I can remember as a kid when we had spaghetti, the house smelled so delicious. Mom’s spaghetti simmered all day in a big cast iron skillet on the stove. On the table were warm, toasty Italian Rolls and a salad to round out the meal. I loved to split open my rolls, slather some butter inside and then stuff them with spaghetti. Spaghetti sandwiches were my favorite. The first time I made leftover spaghetti sandwiches as a meal for Hubby, he thought I was nuts. That is until he tasted them.
These days when I make a big pot of spaghetti, we fill a couple of small Tupperware bowls for mid-week lunches, then freeze the rest for nights such as this. And when I take that first bite of a spaghetti sandwich, I am transported back to my childhood farm-house kitchen surrounded by family and so much love. If the recipe seems a bit familiar, you’d be right. The first time I shared Leftover Spaghetti Sandwiches was in 2018. Those were Spaghetti and Meatball Sandwiches. These sandwiches utilized the leftovers from my All-Day Simmer Spaghetti.
Leftover Spaghetti Sandwiches
2 cups leftover Spaghetti, enough to fill 4 steak rolls
4 Steak Rolls
2 Garlic Cloves, pressed
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Italian Cheese as desired
Heat leftover Spaghetti in microwave or a pot on the stove until nicely warmed, about 5 minutes or so.
While the spaghetti warms, split steak rolls, place on a baking sheet and set aside. Place soft butter into a small bowl. Peel garlic, press directly over the butter. Mash together with a fork. Spread garlic butter inside the steak rolls.
Heat broiler element of the oven. Place steak rolls under to broiler and lightly toast. (Remember, you are going to broil the rolls twice, so don’t let them get too browned the first time around.)
Remove rolls from oven, fill with warmed spaghetti. Sprinkle with Italian Cheese as desired. Return to broiler and continue to broil until the cheese has melted and the rolls are golden.
Serve with a nice toss salad for a simple supper the entire family will enjoy.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
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