We have gotten away from the club sandwich. McDonald's and Burger King have spoiled us with their tasty hamburgers and fries. I remember seeing my first Mickey D's. There was no going back to just plain sandwiches, or even club sandwiches. Back in the day, every lunch counter had their specialty club sandwich. They were made fresh as you watched the counter girl pile on the goodies. Most homes didn't have fresh tomatoes or lettuce out of season. What a treat!

Club sandwiches originally consisted of three slices of toasted white bread with chicken, lettuce and mayonnaise making up one layer of filling. Crisp bacon, sliced tomato and mayonnaise was on the other layer. Many variations of this hearty sandwich developed over the years. For instance, the BLT was born. Remove the chicken from the above sandwich and divide the tomato and bacon between the two layers.

How do you make a club sandwich? First, decide what the fillings will be. Chicken? Ham? Bacon? It's up to you.

1. Toast three slices of white bread. Remove crusts if desired.
2. Spread the three slices with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip.
3. Spread filling on first layer. Top with the second piece of toast.
4. Spread mayonnaise on top of that piece of toast.
5. Add sliced tomato and lettuce.
6. Top with third slice of toast.
7. Fasten layers together with four toothpicks. Cut into triangles.
8. On small plate, stand up each triangle in a circle.
9. Add a few pickles or green olives on the side and serve.

Sometimes potato salad would be piled in the middle and then surrounded by the sandwich wedges. There you have it, a club sandwich: the sandwich of the day before Mickey D's, Taco Bell and all the pizza places.