Empire Stack

The Empire Stack is a culinary masterpiece born from the fusion of varied regional cuisines within a single, towering structure. Inspired by the hearty, layered sandwiches of New York City delis and borrowing elements from the rich, spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking, this dish offers a unique taste experience sure to captivate any food lover. It's a perfect blend of textures, tastes, and aromas that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of its cultural inspirations.

History of the Empire Stack

The idea of stacking various ingredients into a towering sandwich probably originates from the sandwich explosion of the early 20th century in New York City, when delis began experimenting with layering numerous cold cuts, cheeses, and pickled vegetables. The Empire Stack takes this concept further by integrating the bold spices and flavors characteristic of Louisiana's Cajun cuisine, creating an empire of flavor within each bite. Over time, it has evolved into a sophisticated dish, beloved for its ability to satisfy with complexity and excitement.

Ingredients

• Baguette – 1 large, freshly baked
• Roast Beef – 200 grams, thinly sliced
• Blackened Chicken – 200 grams, sliced
• Camembert – 100 grams, sliced
• Lettuce – 1 head, washed and leaves separated
• Tomato – 2, sliced
• Creole Mustard – 2 tablespoons
• Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
• Pickle Relish – 2 tablespoons
• Red Onion – 1, thinly sliced
• Green Bell Pepper – 1, sliced
• Salt – to taste
• Black Pepper – to taste
• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon

Preparation

1. Preparing the Baguette

Begin by slicing the baguette lengthwise into two halves. Smith both sides with olive oil to give it a nice glaze and lightly grill or toast until golden brown.

2. Cooking the Blackened Chicken

Coat the blackened chicken in a mix of Cajun spices and fry it in a pan over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred. Allow it to rest before slicing it into thin strips.

Assembly

To assemble your Empire Stack, start by spreading Creole mustard and mayonnaise on the inside of the baguette. Layer the bottom half with leaves of lettuce as a base. Add the roast beef slices evenly on top.

Layering

1. Place the blackened chicken slices atop the roast beef.
2. Add a uniform layer of Camembert slices to meld the proteins together.
3. Spoon a generous layer of pickle relish for tang.
4. Layer the tomato slices to add juiciness.
5. Add red onion rings and green bell pepper slices for a crisp texture.

Finishing Touches

Finish with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to taste. Carefully place the top half of the baguette and press down gently to compact the layers slightly.

Enjoying Your Meal

The Empire Stack is best enjoyed fresh, with a perfect balance of chewy baguette and juicy fillings. Pair it with a side of crispy French fries or a refreshing garden salad to complement the rich flavors. For the full experience, consider timing the preparation and savoring process using a cooking timer to ensure each element is enjoyed at its peak.