DAILY DINNERS

Gather the ingredients. Heat a griddle or large cast-iron or other heavy-duty pan to medium heat. Cut the loaf of bread into quarters and slice each quarter in half horizontally. If using individual loaves, slice in half lengthwise.

Spread the mustard and mayonnaise on the bread. Use one condiment per slice of bread, but be sure each sandwich has both.

Assemble each sandwich by layering the ham, sliced pork, cheese, and pickles.

Lightly coat the cooking surface of a griddle or skillet with cooking spray. Heat the pan about 1 minute. Place the sandwiches on the hot surface.

Put a clean, heavy skillet on top of the sandwich to flatten it. The goal is to press the bread down to about 1/3 of its original size. Leave the skillet on top of the sandwich and grill for 1 to 2 minutes. If you don't have a heavy skillet, use a brick wrapped in foil.

Lift the heavy skillet, turn the sandwich over and grill on the other side. Place the skillet back on top. For the sandwich to be ready, the cheese should be melted and the bread golden brown. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve.

Substitutions and Add-Ons With Miami, Tampa, and Key West debating over who has the tastiest, truest Cubano sandwich, many versions have popped up claiming to be the best. Here are some tasty variations on the classic: Simply butter: Some purists use butter instead of mayo and mustard. Veggies: Others add lettuce and tomatoes after the sandwich has been grilled. Salami: Italian immigrants might have added salami into the Cubano, a welcomed and salty addition. Over-the-top: Although not traditional, some like to add slices of crunchy bacon when assembling.

What Is Cuban Bread, and What to Use Instead? Cuban bread is a white bread similar to Italian or French bread in texture and shape. Besides flour, water, yeast, and salt, Cuban bread has lard or vegetable shortening in its ingredients. Some Hispanic or Latin markets might have true Cuban bread, but if finding it is difficult, the Cubano will come out equally tasty if you use a loaf of Italian bread or ciabatta.