Sara Lee Deli Teams with Former White House Chef to Offer Presidential-Style Sandwiches in Time for National Sandwich Day

Business Wire, Oct 13, 2008

Arizona Ranch Enchi-lot-a Chicken Sandwich and Pipin' Hot Chicago-Style Pizza Sandwich on the Menu for Election Night Parties

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- Sara Lee[R] Deli is asking Americans to vote to save the homemade sandwich in celebration of National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3, the eve of the 2008 presidential election. Chef Louis Eguaras, former White House chef and now owner of Presidential Culinary Services in Los Angeles, has teamed up with Sara Lee Deli to create campaign-inspired sandwiches that can be made from the comfort of one's own kitchen - saving time, travel and money - with tips to make the most out of an historic event.

Two recipes inspired by the favorite foods of the presidential candidates are available at www.thejoyofeating.com: the Arizona Ranch Enchi-lot-a Chicken Sandwich and the Pipin' Hot Chicago-Style Pizza Sandwich. American-themed sandwich recipes such as the A "vote" cado and Turkey Sandwich; Red, White and Blue Inaugural Sandwich; and the Bi-Partisan Panini are also available.

"Sandwiches are a crucial and regularly requested part of the menu at the fast-paced White House," said Eguaras. "The challenge is keeping sandwiches gourmet, fun and simple. Premium ingredients are the key to making sandwiches suitable for world leaders, and you can share that same class at home by using quality ingredients with flavor."

Presidential Tips

Eguaras' suggestions to "make it presidential" include:

* Add Some Heat - before assembling your sandwich heat-up that cold sliced deli meat by warming on a skillet for a few seconds to pull out the juices.

* Prepare Early - prepare ingredients early in the week and then store for easy access when ready to make your sandwich such as grilled onions or chopped nuts.

* Apply When Ready - no one likes soggy bread so keep your sandwich fresh by waiting until you are ready to eat before applying the condiments. Sara Lee Fresh Ideas[TM] Sandwich Dressings, which come in portable single-serve packets, make this easy for sandwich eaters on the go.

At the White House, the presentation is as important as the food. "A little 'pomp and circumstance' turns a simple sandwich into a presidential meal," he said.

Eguaras provided party hosts with the following steps to add drama to Election Night:

* Plate It - Ceramic plates can dress up any meal and are a staple in the White House.

* Drape It - Red, white and blue cloth table cloths make any room more stately. Drape different colors to add that special flair.

* Garnish It - A small flag toothpick in an orange slice or twist is a patriotic palette cleanser.

* Send It - When hosting a party include the menu with the card or e-vite to your guests. Guests love to know what to expect and the preparation will feed the excitement.

New Sara Lee Deli Products

This fall, Sara Lee is debuting four new deli meats - Sara Lee Fresh Ideas Garlic Herb Chicken and Hickory Smoked Ham that are available pre-sliced, and Sara Lee Fresh Ideas Virginia Brand Ham with Natural Juices and Deluxe Cooked Ham with Natural Juices available in sliced-to-order deli meats.

The Virginia Brand Ham and Deluxe Cooked Ham feature premium, whole muscle meat with natural juices and no fillers. The suggested retail price varies depending on the region of the country but the national average is $5.99 for the Deluxe Cooked Ham and $6.99 for the Virginia Brand Ham.

The Garlic Herb Chicken and Hickory Smoked Ham combine improved quality meats with a fresh approach to packaging without having to wait in line at the deli counter and feature:

* Thinly sliced and folded meat, not shingled and made with no fillers

* Strong, resealable snap-closure tub with sealed inner-pack

* Clear 10 ounce product packaging that fits perfectly in refrigerator deli drawers

* Suggested retail price between $4.49-$4.99 per package

This summer, Sara Lee Deli introduced Sara Lee Fresh Ideas Sandwich Dressings to pump up the homemade sandwich with richer flavors and taste. The specialty sauces come in individual squeeze packs for portability and convenience for consumers. The dressings are available in six zesty, savory or smokey restaurant-style flavors - Sweet Honey Mustard, Creamy Ranch, Savory Horseradish with Garlic, Smokey Bacon, Zesty Pepper Trio Mustard and Sub Sandwich Oil.

About Chef Louis Eguaras

Louis Eguaras joined the United States Navy as a culinary specialist receiving training at their culinary school with civilian instructors from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy and the Culinary Institute of America. He was stationed at Camp David Presidential Retreat from 1992-1993 working under the White House military office. During his time there he personally served and cooked for President George Bush, Sr., First Lady Barbara Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle, and Second Lady Marilyn Quayle as well as their many guests. In 1993 he was transferred to the White House Staff Mess in the West Wing serving the president, first lady and senior staff members. While in Washington, D.C. Eguaras cooked for and served many foreign dignitaries and celebrities such as Nelson Mandela, Tom Hanks, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Prime Minister John Majors of Great Britain and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today Eguaras lives in Los Angeles where he owns Presidential Culinary Services.