The horseshoe is an openfaced sandwich created in the 1920s at the leland hotel. May 22, 2002 i am new to this group, i hope you dont mind me jumping in. The horseshoe name has been variously attributed to the horseshoe like shape of a slice of. He was hungry, but he didnt want to stop gambling, so the chefs. History of illinois horseshoe sandwich onlyinyourstate. Horseshoe is a shoe for horses and by analogy is applied to many things with a similar shape. As the story goes, schweska, who was the chef at the leland hotel, sixth street and capitol avenue, in the late 1920s, needed a new item for his. Book includes the history of the horseshoe sandwich and restaurants that currently offer this celebrated sandwich. Tour the restaurants that have kept the tradition alive for.
Our recipe used the classic ham steak, but hamburger patties are a popular alternative. May 22, 2002 read page 2 of the horseshoe sandwich discussion from the chowhound restaurants, great lakes food community. White cheese sauce best sauce for hamburger horseshoes. For many of us, eating local means buying locallygrown produce and supporting local producers. The book highlights the various restaurants and chefs that have served horseshoes throughout the years, along with recipes for different versions of the iconic dish. May 06, 2019 tony leone has often served as a historical reference for the horseshoe sandwich for local and national publications. Thats just what tony leone and carolyn harmon have done, with their new book springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich. See more ideas about horseshoe recipe, food recipes and stuffed peppers.
The game of horseshoes is thought to have descended from the ancient greek sport of the discus throw. Turned so many on to this secret of central illinois. The horseshoe people paperback january 1, 1981 by d crowe author 5. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich home facebook. If i remember right the horseshoe was 2 pieces of texas toast and the pony was only one. May 03, 2019 the book is part of the history presss american palate series and joins other illinoisbased themes as midwest sweet baking history, iconic chicago dishes, drinks and deserts and. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich books on the square. Though prolific downstate, it seems the only real place to find a horseshoe in chicago is at springfield expat owned 6 degrees, a nondescript bar on a sleepy stretch of damen. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich by carolyn harmon.
In their book, 500 things to eat before its too late, roadfoods. Jun 29, 2012 the horseshoe sandwich, an openfaced sandwich with thicksliced toasted bread, hamburger patties, french fries and a cheese sauce, originated in springfield, illinois. The horseshoe sandwich history of sangamon county, illinois. The modern concept of a sandwich using slices of bread as found within the west can arguably be traced to 18thcentury europe. She had seen a recipe using a welsh rarebit sauce and suggested the possibility of an openfaced sandwich using this sauce. The roast beef hash, horseshoe sandwich, coconut cake, lump crab. The atmosphere is old school and the bartenders know everyones name. Menus touting the horseshoe abound in eateries throughout the illinois capital, but according to many sleuths, none of these modern establishments offer the original recipe. The slyfox offers a wide range of local history books in our online store and at our virden il location. Leone restored a springfield landmark, the pasfield house inn, former residence of george pasfield, who served as president of the leland hotel when the horseshoe. It was developed for travelers to eat during long horse and carriage rides. He added some shoestring potatoes on top, and a sensation was born. Jul 10, 2016 the story behind this amazing illinois sandwich is incredibly unique.
Horseshoe sandwiches are notoriously messy, so its unclear why anyone ever thought that would be a good idea on a bumpy carriage ride. The book is part of the history presss american palate series and joins other illinoisbased themes as midwest sweet baking history, iconic chicago dishes, drinks and deserts and. Local historians and authors carolyn harmon and tony leone have written the history of the horseshoe in a book released on may 6, springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich. Locallydeveloped cuisine especially the comfort foods from last century that are specific to a region or sometimes just a town is making a bit of a comeback, but with a bit of a twist. One of the favorite items on menus in central illinois is a horseshoe or a ponyshoe. While some mystery surrounds the horseshoe s origin, locals unanimously agree that the leland hotel in springfield was the first to serve the fabled sandwich. This book is very meaningful to me as i was born and raised close to the area that this book discusses and i now live in the horseshoe. It lets you use alternatives to the burger patty, such as tenderloins, chicken tenders, italian beef, and bacon.
This is one of the most storied corners on fremont street due mainly to the larger than life texan who found his fame and fortune when he opened the horseshoe club. Horseshoe valley disambiguation settlements and jurisdictions. In a town famous for its politics, one local favorite moves unchallenged across party lines. This book delves into the history of this delectable dish telling readers of its. Authors carolyn harmon left and tony leone right provide are providing a comprehensive look at the history and permutations of springfields legendary and celebrated fare, the horseshoe sandwich, in their new book. Horseshoe sandwich recipes and history cheese sauce. This sandwich will make your arteries cringe and your taste buds rejoice. Thats two thick slices of toast, topped with ham, welsh rarebit cheese sauce, and a bucket of french fries. Horseshoe sandwich, an openfaced sandwich found regionally in the midwest. Rodger, points out in the book, the insatiable earl a life of john montagu, 4th earl of sandwich, that the sole source for giving montagu credit for the invention of the sandwich, was gossip mentioned in a travel book by grosley, and that at the period in question 1765, he was known to be very busy, and. Search, watch, and cook every single tasty recipe and video ever all in one place. Carolyn harmon and tony leone have written the history of springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich, compiling facts about the people who were originally involved in the creation of this springfield dish and extensive information about the many restaurants and caterers who offer variations of the horseshoe. Apr 07, 2005 two local chefs created the springfield horseshoe sandwich in 1928 at the leland hotel in springfield, illinois. The horseshoe is an openfaced sandwich originating in springfield, illinois, united states.
It consists of thicksliced toasted bread, often texas toast, a. The earl of sandwich 18th century the name sandwich first appeared. I like a big pile of cheesy meat fries as much as the next person, but the horseshoe is so much more than that. Nearly a century ago, in the town of springfield, illinois, the horseshoe sandwich was born. With the coming of the industrial revolution, horseshoe production reached new heights. The sandwich was created in 1928 by leland hotel chef joe schweska. Openfaced, piled high with fries and slathered in cheese sauce, the horsehoe sandwich has represented springfield cuisine since 1928. Mar 31, 2020 with the coming of the industrial revolution, horseshoe production reached new heights. This book delves into the history of this delectable dish telling readers of its origin and various takes by local and beyond restaurantschefs. Chef tomko also took his horseshoe recipe to the red coach inn after leaving the leland hotel.
Tom says, what knowledge i have of the horseshoe sandwich, i have from my deceased brotherinlaw, joseph e. Horseshoe sandwich recipe and history this openface sandwich is considered the signature dish of springfield, illinois, the home of abraham lincoln. Leone restored a springfield landmark, the pasfield house inn, former residence of george pasfield, who served as president of the leland hotel when the horseshoe was created. Celebrating the horseshoe springfield business journal. Historically, the horseshoe sandwich was made with two thick slices of toasted bread laid out in an openfaced sandwich manner.
Oct 24, 20 although accounts differ, most people credit joseph schweska with creating the horseshoe sandwich, the locally famous openfaced combination of toast, meat and french fries covered in cheese sauce. Jun 14, 2017 the horseshoe is an openfaced sandwich created in the 1920s at the leland hotel. Joe schweska 19011971 was the chef of the red lion room of the leland hotel in springfield, illinois, when he created the dish between 1928 and 1932. They are not hard to make but it is a lot to prepare. An englishman, john montague 17181792, the fourth earl of sandwich, liked to eat and gamble at londons beef steak club.
Its a messy plate of french fries nails and a horseshoeshaped slice of ham smothered with welsh rarebit sauce. However, the more likely creator is leland hotel head chef joe schweska. Thats two thick slices of toast, topped with ham, welsh rarebit cheese sauce, and. It consists of thicksliced toasted bread often texas toast, a hamburger patty, cheese sauce, and then french fries. However, the use of some kind of bread or breadlike substance to lie under or under and over some other food, or used to scoop up and enclose or wrap some other type of food, long predates the eighteenth century, and is found in numerous much older cultures. The horseshoe is an openfaced sandwich originating from springfield, illinois, united states. The sandwich has a long history, but it hasnt always been as embraced in america as it is now. My advice is to make your cheese sauce first along with preparing the hamburgers.
Apr 27, 2019 springfield when you write a book on springfields original contribution to the culinary arts the horseshoe sandwich its history with flavor. After reading this book, youll definitely want to hit the road to try multiple variations along the way. Its hard to imagine, but the sandwich was once thought of as a symbol of a colonial past that. Horseshoe sandwich cheese sauce recipe brings me back to. In 1800, the first machine to cast shoes on a large scale was introduced. Horseshoe sandwich the horseshoe sandwich belongs to springfield, illinios. See more ideas about food recipes, food and sandwiches. It was invented at the leland hotel in downtown springfield. Louis cuisine is the culinary culture of the greater st. The original horseshoe sandwich was created in the late 1920s by chef joe schweska at the leland hotel in springfield. Tony leone has often served as a historical reference for the horseshoe sandwich for local and national publications. The horseshoe sandwich consists of welsh rarebit or welsh rabbit cheese sauce over an openfaced sandwich, such as ham or hamburger on toasted bread. Its a messy plate of french fries nails and a horseshoe shaped slice of. Louis area, which comprises and completely surrounds the independent city of st.
Horseshoe sandwich cheese sauce just a pinch recipes. When most people hear the word horseshoe, they think of actual horses. Deftly ordered with the proper protein, its a surprisingly balanced beer soaker of a dinner. The french fries represent the nails in the shoe and the oversized platter is the anvil. The toast was then topped with a large slice of ham, sometimes fashioned in the shape of a horseshoe, followed by a pile of french fries and some white cheese sauce. The horseshoe was invented in springfield, illinois, in the late 1920s, and has been a local favorite ever since. The first horseshoe was originally made from ham cut from the bone in the shape of a horseshoe.
Springfield when you write a book on springfields original contribution to the culinary arts the horseshoe sandwich its history with flavor. This consists of a variety of sandwiches, either a hamburger, grilled chicken breast, ham, etc. The story is that greeks developed a sport where the discus was thrown at a stake. I lived in lincoln, il for many years and we had the horseshoe sandwich. It consists of thicksliced toasted bread often texas toast, a hamburger patty, cheese sauce, and then french fries while hamburger has become the most common meat on a horseshoe, the original meat was ham. Although accounts differ, most people credit joseph schweska with creating the horseshoe sandwich, the locally famous openfaced combination of toast, meat and french fries covered in cheese sauce. History of illinois detailed in books by arcadia publishing. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich by carolyn. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich american palate. During their idle hours, the soldiers occupied themselves with games that consisted of tossing metal rings over stakes pounded into the ground. Sometimes there is a dish so iconic, so legendary, that unearthing its history becomes a journey into local lore, forgotten recipes, and. This daily diner is known for some of the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals in town, and of course some of the best horseshoe sandwiches.
Whatever you want to put between two slices of toast. While some mystery surrounds the horseshoes origin, locals unanimously agree that the leland hotel in. Shop arcadia publishing to find the best history books about illinois and its great contributions. Then fresh french fries and all of it smothered with a cheese sauce. It is the filling that establishes the melt sandwich as a variation of the grilled cheese sandwich. Originating in springfield, illinois the horseshoe is a regional favorite. The betty crocker cookbook has a welsh rarebit sauce recipe which.
Horseshoe sandwich, horseshoe sandwich history, horseshoe sandwich recipe, how to make a horseshoe sandwich, pony shoe sandwich note. The history of springfields iconic food shows the original was nothing like todays version. Illinois iconic horseshoe sandwich has almost 100 years of history behind it. If one is looking into regional history or researching family names, this might be a useful book. Apparently, the dish was invented in 1928 by two hotel chefs, with a ushaped slab of ham representing a horseshoe, the fries nails, and its. Louis its principal city and includes parts of both the u. While hamburger has become the traditional meat on a horseshoe, the original meat was a horseshoe shaped thin slice of ham that was. Local folks confirm the moniker was bestowed for the horse shoe shape of the meat. This is a special treat is sure to impress your friends on game day.
This openfaced sandwich is made with toasted bread topped with hamburger patties and piled high with french fries and cheese sauce. In the 2015 thomas breakfast battle, hosted by thomas breads. Carolyn harmon and tony leone provide a comprehensive history of this delicious dish. Springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich american. Jan 15, 2012 if you want to learn more about the history of the horseshoe go here. Other popular choices are ham, roast beef, chicken, turkey, or a hamburger patty, which is known as a patty melt. This subject is a matter of great debate and pride in the city in which i live. The horseshoe sandwich begins with two pieces of toast on a. The horseshoe sandwich is a delicious comfort food with its origin in springfield, il. Eat a giant midwestern feast and well tell you your best.
The definitive horseshoe book is now available at barnes and noble, abes old hat, books on the square and, of course, amazon. Download a free printable collection of midwest living s 10 top slowcooker recipes. The actual recipe im going to share with you is the cheese sauce. Discovering springfields horseshoe sandwich enjoy illinois. The following history of the horseshoe sandwich are personal remembrances of tom mcgee of springfield, il. The history of horseshoe pitching can be traced back to roman soldiers. Today, every restaurant and chef serving this sandwich, seems to have his or her own secret cheese sauce recipe. Horseshoe sandwich at wollensky grill one of my favorite restaurants in nyc. The story goes that he had a lot of extra cheese sauce left over one day and decided to throw it over the chopped steak and gravy sandwiches the patrons were always ordering. During americas civil war of the 1850s, the northern forces had a horseshoe forging machine that gave them a distinct advantage over the southern armies.
But if youre from central or southern illinois, you have a completely different association. The story behind this amazing illinois sandwich is incredibly unique. It was fitting, really, that i was handed an advance copy of springfields celebrated horseshoe sandwich in a mcdonalds parking lot. Built in 1867, the historic leland was the leading hotel in springfield, and housed hundreds of prominent americans. Even though the sandwich is topped with a homemade cheese sauce, the blue plate special only takes 30 minutes to make. Hearty meat and potato lovers in your family will be happy to indulge in the horseshoe sandwich. But many of the poorer people could not afford the discus so they used cast off horseshoes instead.
But yet again someone debates this version of history. The sandwich was created in the late 1920s by chef joe schweska at a leland hotel in springfield, illinois located on the corner of sixth and capitol now an office building. Two local chefs created the springfield horseshoe sandwich in 1928 at the leland hotel in springfield, illinois. Nov 24, 2012 growing up in the midwest, i have always been a big fan of the horseshoe sandwich. A field guide to 20 great regional sandwiches of the usa. According to family accounts, schweskas first horseshoe sandwich got its name because the meat was ham cut off the bone in a horseshoe shape. Download our free printable collection of 10 top slowcooker recipes, as featured in. Books on the square carolyn harmon and tony leone have written the history of springfield s celebrated horseshoe sandwich, compiling facts about the people who were originally involved in the creation of this springfield dish and extensive information about the many restaurants and caterers who offer variations of the horseshoe. An openfaced sandwich composed of two slices of toasted bread topped with two hamburger patties and a whopping pile of french fries all smothered in a cheese sauce, obviously, the horseshoe isnt the prettiest or the healthiest sandwich in america. Joe schweska liked the idea and developed his own sauce and sandwich creation, the horseshoe. Some claim it was the leland hotels 17yearold dishwasher who invented the sandwich. Shop today or call us for more information at 217 9653641.