Ham with Avocado, Red Onion, Tomato, Bibb Lettuce, and Crème Fraîche on Pullman Bread

Mangia is always looking for interesting breads for its sandwiches. Pullman bread may or may not be available where you live, but it is worth keeping an eye out for it. Also known as pain de mie, it has little or no crust. It is baked in long rectangular loaf pans with lids, which produce a dense crumb that is ideal for slicing. This brings us to its name: The shape of the baking pans is reminiscent of the Pullman railroad car. If you can't find Pullman bread, simply use another good-quality white bread, which should be readily obtainable. Select a good baked country ham, and have it sliced a touch thicker than normal; you want to be able to bite into it. To maximize the overall effect of this lovely, simple combination be sure to use ripe avocados. Plan ahead and ripen hard avocados at home by placing them in a paper bag and holding them at room temperature for 3 or 4 days. Lastly, crème fraîche always tastes better if you take it out of the refrigerator 2 hours before using it.