'It's the most wonderful time of the year'' no, not Christmas (thought that is pretty cool, too)' or back to school like time in those Staples commercials. It's Football season! It's finally here! All year long we wait and wait and wait through the draft and training camps, preseason games' (and the never ending Terrell Owens mega-ego circus). Though it is truly worth the wait, the first Sunday of football season is better than any other day of the year- unless of course your team is fortunate enough to make it to the big game, and win.

As the season progresses and our teams show their true abilities, strengths and weaknesses, we sit, stuffing our faces with nachos and wings, followed by endless cans of soda or beer'ahhh' what else could be better?

Why not try making a meal for your buddies before the next game? Nothing too fancy so that they'll bust your chops, but just good enough that they'll say 'Where'd you get this from'? (or you could say your wife made it'that is always the easier way). Try the recipe listed below and see how it turns out. If the crew digs it, try some of the alterations listed under the recipe' or go crazy and create your own. Who says you can't be a gourmet sandwich chef?

Football Sunday Super Subs

Makes 4 servings

Ready in 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

2 large fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

5 tablespoons of olive oil

3 teaspoons of Italian seasonings

1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 pound of sliced Genoa Salami

1 pound of thinly sliced Domestic Ham

? pound Hot Capicola Ham thinly sliced

? pound Prosciutto Ham

1 pound Provolone Cheese

1 jar roasted Italian red peppers

2 loaves of fresh baked Italian bread

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together veggies. In a smaller bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, seasonings, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Pour over veggie mix, mix well and cover with plastic wrap. Place in fridge for 20 minutes.

2. Cut bread open and pour 1 tablespoon of oil on each loaf. Press loaf together to wet both sides with oil.

3. Place meats evenly on each loaf of bread and cover with cheese. Top with roasted red peppers and veggie mix.

4. Cut in halves or fourths, and serve.

Alterations to Football Sunday Super Subs:

1. Try cooking sandwich at 350until cheese is melted before adding veggie mix.

2. Instead of deli meats, try sliced, cooked chicken breast and chopped provolone topped with broccoli rabe and roasted red peppers.

3. Try using roast beef, Italian style turkey breast thinly sliced and mozzarella cheese in place of the meats listed above.

4. Grill up some of your favorite veggies and use in place of the meats (like eggplant, zucchini, portabella mushrooms, sliced green and red peppers, onions, etc.).