The Sandwich Generation

We all love a sarnie; it's the go-to for breakfast, brunch and lunch, not to mention afternoon tea, teatime and the evening munchies. They can be preened and pimped with a vast array of breads; toasted or soft, wraps or pittas, sliced or baguettes, with a choice of fillings to infinity and beyond.

They used to be wrapped in greaseproof paper and brown paper bags before cling film and foil came along. Schoolchildren pop them into plastic lunch boxes featuring the latest superhero; the successor to the Tupperware box.

Sandwiches were first invented by The 4th Earl of Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty. He lead a busy life with his duties, womanising and gambling. It was during a game of cards that he asked for his meat to be put between two slices of bread to enable him to eat and play at the same time. Other people asked for "the same as Sandwich" and thus the term was born.

My favourites are probably those containing sand. Well, perhaps just a sprinkle. If I'm eating a sandy sandwich it means I'm on a beach somewhere enjoying a picnic.

En route to Cape Cod this year we saw a sign to Sandwich. Close by was a place called Mashpee. Now that's one filling I've never considered.