The Cubano

Today was President's Day and another successful federally mandated playdate for LBA and SoBA and our friends.  Mrs. BA made a very tasty meal of pulled beef sandwiches and chicken wings.  Here's a recipe for a Cuban sandwich.  I have had a few Cubans before and there is nothing quite like a really good one.  Perhaps the launchpad needs a panini press.

The Cubano
from Epicurious
by Jose Garces The Latin Road Home

Ingredients
Roast Pork

• 2 Tbsp kosher salt + 1 Tbsp 
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 
• 1 Tbsp ground mustard 
• 2 lb boneless pork shoulder, tied in an even roll 
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard 
• 1 tsp ground mace 
• 2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 Tbsp Spanish smoked sweet paprika 

Sandwich

• 4 (6-inch) light crisp-crusted bakery rolls 
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 
• 3/4 lb best-quality domestic ham (unglazed), thinly sliced 
• 1/4 lb Swiss or Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced 
• 1 large dill pickle, thinly sliced lengthwise 
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 

Preparation
To cure the pork, combine 2 tablespoons of the salt with the sugar and ground mustard. Rub the mixture all over the meat, cover, and set it in the refrigerator to cure for 6 hours.

Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F.

To roast the pork, rinse it under cold running water to remove the seasoning. Pat dry with paper towels. Combine the Dijon mustard, mace, black pepper, paprika, and the remaining 1 tablespoon salt. Rub the mixture all over the meat. Set the pork in a roasting pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 175°F, about 45 minutes. Allow the meat to cool completely before slicing.

To make the sandwiches, heat a sandwich press or griddle to medium-high. Split the bread lengthwise and pull it open. Spread the mustard on 1 side of each roll and layer on the roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles. Spread the butter all over the outside of the sandwiches and griddle until the cheese is melted and the meats are warmed through, 3 to 4 minutes. (Alternatively, wrap the sandwich in foil and toast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.) Slice each in half on the diagonal and serve.