Horseshoe sandwich
The horseshoe sandwich originated in Springfield, Illinois sometime in the early 20th century. Local lore names the inventor as a chef at Wayne's Red Coach Inn, although this is subject to debate. You can get horseshoe sandwiches at most Springfield restaurants, at some restaurants in central Illinois, and at a few restaurants in other parts of the state. Horseshoes are not generally served outside of Illinois.
A traditional horseshoe sandwich consists of:
- 2 pieces of Texas toast (thick sliced bread, lightly toasted)
- 2 hamburger patties (cooked to preference, usually medium)
- cover the whole thing with cheese sauce (preferably "Welsh rarebit")
Variations:
Variations usually substitute another meat for the hamburger patties. Common alternatives include turkey, chicken (fried, grilled, or buffalo-basted), ham, or Italian beef. Less common alternatives include shrimp, crawfish, egg, or tomato.
Some restaurants substitute English muffins for the toast.
