The Mommy Break Sandwich, a Recipe

The Mommy Break Sandwich: homemade simple banh-mi sandwich with a side of iced coffee

I adore my daughter, like all parents love their kids. After the struggle of putting her to bed, I'll sometimes find myself watching videos of her dancing or singing. Even though it seems ironic in a sense, that after those final hours of making and feeding her dinner, bathing her, having her hang and swing from me like a pet lemur, that I'd want any more of her (particularly if she throws an anti-toothbrush tantrum) instead of a break! But of course I do, and we all do. That's why we raise them everyday, despite the hard, because they're so irresistible.

But breaks are highly important. And as mothers, we work incredibly hard to support our families -- and our jobs, as caretakers are 24-7. We're designed to be highly attuned to when our little ones need breaks, but sometimes it's easy to forget when we need our own rest. The last couple of months I'd been running around with the usual busy mom plate, juggling a variety of different projects, and it wasn't until today that I realized what a break I needed. Daddy and daughter were gone to Grandma's for the day, and after some chores I made myself a sandwich. For the first time in a while, as I was tasting the crisp and crunchy cucumber while slicing, and feeling refreshed by the aliveness of the cilantro, I finally absorbed the moment I was in.

As I stood in the kitchen eating in quiet, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I then encouraged myself to go sit at the table and enjoy my tranquil and late Sunday lunch.

Nuy's Banh-Mi Sandwich Recipe 1-2-3:

In Honolulu, where I grew up, Vietnamese banh-mi sandwich shops were as accessible as the popular Subway chain. And one that my friends and I would always frequent after school when we were starving was Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery. Given that I am obsessed with cucumbers and cilantro, and both are in the banh-mi sandwiches -- well, I say no more! This is my easy version of the banh-mi sandwich:

1) Start with two slices of your favorite white or French bread, toasted. You may choose to spread mayonnaise (I recommend using the Japanese Kewpie version), or leave plain.

2) Add turkey cold cuts and/or sliced cheese (I suggest a mild one like Provolone or Swiss).

3) Also add sliced Hot House or Kirby cucumbers, and cilantro. Enjoy!

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.