Sandwich Bear Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 round loaf (1 to 1-1/2 pounds and 10 inches) unsliced bread
• 6 unsliced rolls (one 5 inches and five 3-1/2 inches)
• Leaf lettuce, optional
• 3/4 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 3/4 pound thinly sliced deli turkey
• 2 large pitted ripe olives

Directions

• In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard and onions. Slice bread and rolls one-third from the bottom of each. Carefully hollow out tops of bread and rolls, leaving a 1/2-in. shell.
• Spread cream cheese mixture on cut sides; top with lettuce if desired. Fill loaf with ham and half of the cheddar cheese. Fill the rolls with turkey and remaining cheese. Replace all tops.
• To assemble bear, place loaf on a large board. Place 5-in. roll on top for head and four small rolls for paws. Cut the remaining small roll in half for ears. Use one olive for nose. Cut remaining olive in half; secure with toothpicks for eyes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Yield: 16 servings.

Sandwich Bear published in Taste of Home February/March 2000, p37