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300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story . . . with Recipes
“Honey, you are 300 sandwiches away from an engagement ring.”
When New York Post writer Stephanie Smith made a turkey and Swiss on white bread for her boyfriend, Eric (aka E), he took one bite and uttered those now-famous words. While her beau’s declaration initially seemed unusual, even antiquated, Stephanie accepted the challenge and got to work. Little did she know she was about to cook up the sexiest and most controversial love story of her generation.
300 Sandwiches is the story of Stephanie and E’s epic journey of bread and betrothal, with a whole loaf of recipes to boot. For Stephanie, a novice in the kitchen, making a sandwich—or even 300—for E wasn’t just about getting a ring; it was her way of saying “I love you” while gaining confidence as a chef. It was about how many breakfast sandwiches they could eat together on future Sunday mornings, how many s’mores might follow family snowboarding trips, how many silly fights would end in makeup sandwiches. Suddenly, she saw a lifetime of happiness between those two slices of bread.
Not everyone agreed. The media dubbed E “the Internet’s Worst Boyfriend”; bloggers attacked the loving couple for setting back the cause of women’s rights; opinions about their romance echoed from as far away as Japan. Soon, Stephanie found her cooking and her relationship under the harsh glare of the spotlight.
From culinary twists on peanut butter and jelly to “Not Your Mother’s Roast Beef” spicy French Dip to Chicken and Waffle BLTs, Stephanie shares the creations—including wraps, burritos, paninis, and burgers—that ultimately sated E’s palate and won his heart. Part recipe book, part girl-meets-boy memoir, 300 Sandwiches teaches us that true love always wins out—one delicious bite at a time.
When New York Post writer Stephanie Smith made a turkey and Swiss on white bread for her boyfriend, Eric (aka E), he took one bite and uttered those now-famous words. While her beau’s declaration initially seemed unusual, even antiquated, Stephanie accepted the challenge and got to work. Little did she know she was about to cook up the sexiest and most controversial love story of her generation.
300 Sandwiches is the story of Stephanie and E’s epic journey of bread and betrothal, with a whole loaf of recipes to boot. For Stephanie, a novice in the kitchen, making a sandwich—or even 300—for E wasn’t just about getting a ring; it was her way of saying “I love you” while gaining confidence as a chef. It was about how many breakfast sandwiches they could eat together on future Sunday mornings, how many s’mores might follow family snowboarding trips, how many silly fights would end in makeup sandwiches. Suddenly, she saw a lifetime of happiness between those two slices of bread.
Not everyone agreed. The media dubbed E “the Internet’s Worst Boyfriend”; bloggers attacked the loving couple for setting back the cause of women’s rights; opinions about their romance echoed from as far away as Japan. Soon, Stephanie found her cooking and her relationship under the harsh glare of the spotlight.
From culinary twists on peanut butter and jelly to “Not Your Mother’s Roast Beef” spicy French Dip to Chicken and Waffle BLTs, Stephanie shares the creations—including wraps, burritos, paninis, and burgers—that ultimately sated E’s palate and won his heart. Part recipe book, part girl-meets-boy memoir, 300 Sandwiches teaches us that true love always wins out—one delicious bite at a time.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2015
14 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Smith
2 booksAuthor/blogger of 300 Sandwiches. Ghostwriter of TIna Wells' Honest June series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 10, 2017
A very fun book to read! I read it all in one day ... and would be interested in buying a copy of my own so I can replicate some of these recipes!
This is more than "boy meets girl," more than just "woman, make me a sandwich" ... it's about a couple who stick together through good times and bad, despite the haters and trolls on the Internet, despite the death of Stephanie's beloved father, and despite sandwiches that just didn't turn out the way they were supposed to.
I identified with Stephanie. It's hard to be patient sometimes. I love how she showed how human and real she is. Crying at pole dancing class. Getting nails done with a friend. Wanting to show her boyfriend just how much she loves him... like doing a funny thing like blogging her way through 300 sandwiches.
Stephanie and her "E," live together, love together, laugh together; they spend time with friends and family and the closing scene between the two of them is just perfect: shopping for groceries, cooking, and eating dinner together. An inspirational, lovely, and very yummy book!
This is more than "boy meets girl," more than just "woman, make me a sandwich" ... it's about a couple who stick together through good times and bad, despite the haters and trolls on the Internet, despite the death of Stephanie's beloved father, and despite sandwiches that just didn't turn out the way they were supposed to.
I identified with Stephanie. It's hard to be patient sometimes. I love how she showed how human and real she is. Crying at pole dancing class. Getting nails done with a friend. Wanting to show her boyfriend just how much she loves him... like doing a funny thing like blogging her way through 300 sandwiches.
Stephanie and her "E," live together, love together, laugh together; they spend time with friends and family and the closing scene between the two of them is just perfect: shopping for groceries, cooking, and eating dinner together. An inspirational, lovely, and very yummy book!
February 5, 2017
I understood why Stephanie took E up on his comment that she was 300 sandwiches from a proposal. I enjoyed her journey from hesitant sandwich assembler to confident sandwich generator. I appreciated the chapters about her fathers declining health and the whole pole dancing experiance. I may have rated it higher if I hadn't read it while trying to lose weight/not eat sandwiches. Still I marked pages for sandwiches with brie, pears and pesto....um.
June 5, 2015
Sadly met my expectations There was a bit of a kerfuffle when we heard about this woman making 300 sandwiches for her then boyfriend. She made him a sandwich and he told (supposedly as a joke) that she was about 299 sandwiches away from getting an engagement ring. So together they decided she would make sandwiches for him and she'd get the ring at the end of it. Cue the outrage, discussions of feminism, of women making food for men, of women being in the kitchen, this was all for publicity, she wants 15 minutes, etc.
So lo and behold, was it a surprise to hear she had a book deal? Not really. This book is a memoir/cookbook combo retelling of her life and the sandwiches (plus the recipes). Smith talks about her life, her upbringing her relationship and the ups and downs it had (including the eventual death of her father).
I wanted to go into this with an open mind, I wanted to not be hypocritical and read the book so I could feel comfortable in criticizing or praising it. Unfortunately, my expectations were about on the mark. The book just isn't very good. Setting aside the whole issue surrounding the sandwich-making, the writing is pretty subpar and Smith just isn't interesting.
Towards the end of the book I found it especially troubling: she's got about 80 sandwiches left and figures she could whip them out faster by throwing parties, speeding things up, etc. She and E (she uses his initial throughout the book) discusses this and he says she should keep the same pace. Why, she asks. Because he said so. She says they agreed on a ring at sandwich 300, and he says he doesn't want to rush. She says she doesn't see why she has to wait.
Ummmmm. There's a lot to unpack here and I found the lack of deeper discussion or thought troubling. I didn't necessarily want a feminist critique of the whole thing, but it really makes me wonder how long they'll be happy and if this is something that will be passed down to their children, if they have any.
And it was just hard to understand what made them think this was a good idea. Her then boyfriend now husband seems to be fully capable of making his own freaking sandwiches. As a joke between themselves or in a group, that'd be fine. But it's disappointing to see such an AWFUL book (plus troubling concepts) get a book deal and more publicity.
Well, I was curious and now it's satisfied. I wouldn't be surprised if this were made into a chick flick type film. However, I'd totally skip it. If you're curious about the recipes, borrow from the library or look if they're on her blog.
So lo and behold, was it a surprise to hear she had a book deal? Not really. This book is a memoir/cookbook combo retelling of her life and the sandwiches (plus the recipes). Smith talks about her life, her upbringing her relationship and the ups and downs it had (including the eventual death of her father).
I wanted to go into this with an open mind, I wanted to not be hypocritical and read the book so I could feel comfortable in criticizing or praising it. Unfortunately, my expectations were about on the mark. The book just isn't very good. Setting aside the whole issue surrounding the sandwich-making, the writing is pretty subpar and Smith just isn't interesting.
Towards the end of the book I found it especially troubling: she's got about 80 sandwiches left and figures she could whip them out faster by throwing parties, speeding things up, etc. She and E (she uses his initial throughout the book) discusses this and he says she should keep the same pace. Why, she asks. Because he said so. She says they agreed on a ring at sandwich 300, and he says he doesn't want to rush. She says she doesn't see why she has to wait.
Ummmmm. There's a lot to unpack here and I found the lack of deeper discussion or thought troubling. I didn't necessarily want a feminist critique of the whole thing, but it really makes me wonder how long they'll be happy and if this is something that will be passed down to their children, if they have any.
And it was just hard to understand what made them think this was a good idea. Her then boyfriend now husband seems to be fully capable of making his own freaking sandwiches. As a joke between themselves or in a group, that'd be fine. But it's disappointing to see such an AWFUL book (plus troubling concepts) get a book deal and more publicity.
Well, I was curious and now it's satisfied. I wouldn't be surprised if this were made into a chick flick type film. However, I'd totally skip it. If you're curious about the recipes, borrow from the library or look if they're on her blog.
February 3, 2016
I went into this book only knowing what I had read on the jacket and honestly, it was a really sweet read.
That said, I kinda wish she'd spent a little less page real estate on the sandwiches and more actually talking about her relationship with E.
This is not to say I'm gonna try and make some of those sandwiches. But it would have been easier to read if all the recipes were in the back instead of inside the chapters.
But it was a very sweet memoir.
That said, I kinda wish she'd spent a little less page real estate on the sandwiches and more actually talking about her relationship with E.
This is not to say I'm gonna try and make some of those sandwiches. But it would have been easier to read if all the recipes were in the back instead of inside the chapters.
But it was a very sweet memoir.
November 22, 2015
In a word....adorable. Favorite sandwich #89 Peanut Butter, Apricot, and Chocolate Hot Press....I will be making this one for sure...oh, and the candied bacon in #230...and #210...and I forgot the Beet Pesto on page 128...mmmmhhhhh....moan worthy.
This book is mouth watering and the story is very touching.
This book is mouth watering and the story is very touching.
April 30, 2015
A unique and fun way to show your partner that it's the simple things that count. And learn how to cook at the same time! I am enjoying reading it and have already tried my hand at one of the sandwiches.
Food, no better way to enjoy others company!!!
Food, no better way to enjoy others company!!!
December 18, 2016
Cute idea, decent story. I thought the author was a bit annoying. Really, how much pressure are you going to put on a guy to propose?? Get a grip. Anyways, I love a good sandwich. Liked to see how she got more confident in the kitchen.
June 4, 2018
I picked up this book because I was looking for something that fit the 'Get your Grill On' prompt for the Summer Reading Challenge.
I vaguely remember hearing about this at the time but it was SO interesting to read her story. Like surprisingly easy to fly through. Honestly, her life sounds so cool and magical from the book, it was like reading a fiction novel.
It was pretty heartfelt and honest, especially her relationship with her father and her 'bridezilla' moments with her boyfriend, E.
Never did I think a book called 300 Sandwiches would make me cry like it did!
I vaguely remember hearing about this at the time but it was SO interesting to read her story. Like surprisingly easy to fly through. Honestly, her life sounds so cool and magical from the book, it was like reading a fiction novel.
It was pretty heartfelt and honest, especially her relationship with her father and her 'bridezilla' moments with her boyfriend, E.
Never did I think a book called 300 Sandwiches would make me cry like it did!
June 9, 2017
Yeah, I'm somewhere between I've and hate. I hope she writes more.
February 8, 2018
Recipes are good, story needs some seasoning.
May 26, 2018
Great book on love and family. Loved the sandwiches too
October 9, 2018
Can 300 sandwiches get you an engagement ring? One determined woman decided to try! A fun read, with recipes!
April 30, 2019
The premise seems a bit contrived... did the author's fiance really say he would propose after she made 300 sandwiches? ... no matter, the story was charming and enjoyable.
June 14, 2021
It’s a horrible anti feminist concept. She comes across as a spoiled brat. I empathize with the loss of a parent to cancer. But just because it’s a good blog doesn’t make it book material.
February 14, 2023
This was an entertaining read with some great sandwich recipes added throughout the book.
November 28, 2024
Yawn. She is SO pretentious.
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars: easy to read and entertaining. Good beach read.
May 29, 2025
Easy read, unique style, great story
June 13, 2015
This is the story - the WHOLE story - about the internet sensation from a couple of years ago. The woman who was making 300 sandwiches for her boyfriend that would, eventually, culminate in an engagement ring. I remember conversations online, some of which were supportive and many of which were not. I was curious what the real story was, and so I wanted to read this book.
There are a few things I took away from this, other than several interesting recipes for sandwiches. First was a reminder to be very careful about trusting anything on the internet. Far from being the crazy, feminism-wrecking woman that she was often made out to be, Stephanie Smith is independent, capable, intelligent, and talented. And her boyfriend, E, who was similarly vilified in the media, was as far away from the stereotypes he was painted with as one could be. Second - there are reasons old maxims hold true for so long (In this case, "The way to a man's stomach...") - because they quite often have at least a nugget of reality to them. And third, that the book is interesting in its own right.
Each short chapter (most only a few pages) covers a little bit more about the relationship and her fear in the kitchen. They discuss her family, their life together, and her growth as a cook, as a girlfriend, and as a person in general. Each chapter is ended with at least one (though usually more) recipes for sandwiches, condiments, or other delicious food that was a part in that chapter. The writing is good - sort of like chatting with a friend over coffee - and the short chapters keep the reader from feeling overwhelmed.
I really enjoyed reading this, and kudos to Smith and her boyfriend for realizing that this was their own personal journey and continuing on in the face of what was probably overwhelming criticism from so many. As for the recipes? With summer coming, I'm thrilled to have an arsenal of recipes to try!
There are a few things I took away from this, other than several interesting recipes for sandwiches. First was a reminder to be very careful about trusting anything on the internet. Far from being the crazy, feminism-wrecking woman that she was often made out to be, Stephanie Smith is independent, capable, intelligent, and talented. And her boyfriend, E, who was similarly vilified in the media, was as far away from the stereotypes he was painted with as one could be. Second - there are reasons old maxims hold true for so long (In this case, "The way to a man's stomach...") - because they quite often have at least a nugget of reality to them. And third, that the book is interesting in its own right.
Each short chapter (most only a few pages) covers a little bit more about the relationship and her fear in the kitchen. They discuss her family, their life together, and her growth as a cook, as a girlfriend, and as a person in general. Each chapter is ended with at least one (though usually more) recipes for sandwiches, condiments, or other delicious food that was a part in that chapter. The writing is good - sort of like chatting with a friend over coffee - and the short chapters keep the reader from feeling overwhelmed.
I really enjoyed reading this, and kudos to Smith and her boyfriend for realizing that this was their own personal journey and continuing on in the face of what was probably overwhelming criticism from so many. As for the recipes? With summer coming, I'm thrilled to have an arsenal of recipes to try!
March 9, 2016
The thing I liked most about this book, is the general philosophy that Stephanie sums up at the end of the book, regarding 'making a sandwich' for someone you care about. That it's the small things, the tiny gestures we make, with the simple intention of making someone you love happy and bringing about a smile, that are most important.
Yes, the writing was a little cliched, and she lost me with some of the 'bridezilla' stuff. But she brought me back round with the incredibly touching story of her relationship with her parents. The story of her dad's health declining totally wrecked me.
And it's always sad (though not surprising) to hear about the viscousness of the internet trolls, in this case naming and shaming her as anti- feminist, when really all she was doing was tackling the sandwich challenge with the humor it deserved.
I love the idea of a good challenge, that broadens one's knowledge or skill set. It seemed like fun idea to me. And in the end, not about 'the ring' at all.
And I liked the recipes... As a girl who unashamedly makes her man a sandwich most days... and is not any less feminist for doing so.....these ideas will come in handy!
Yes, the writing was a little cliched, and she lost me with some of the 'bridezilla' stuff. But she brought me back round with the incredibly touching story of her relationship with her parents. The story of her dad's health declining totally wrecked me.
And it's always sad (though not surprising) to hear about the viscousness of the internet trolls, in this case naming and shaming her as anti- feminist, when really all she was doing was tackling the sandwich challenge with the humor it deserved.
I love the idea of a good challenge, that broadens one's knowledge or skill set. It seemed like fun idea to me. And in the end, not about 'the ring' at all.
And I liked the recipes... As a girl who unashamedly makes her man a sandwich most days... and is not any less feminist for doing so.....these ideas will come in handy!
May 2, 2015
300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story...With Recipes - a True Love Story!! Stephanie's parents started their romance over sandwiches - which fed their love for many years. Stephanie & Eric were in love, but Eric was the main cook because Steph didn't know how to cook. So Eric told her that she was 300 sandwiches away from getting engaged! Now I know that may sound demanding and/or domineering - but I think it was done in fun and faith. The journey to make 300 different sandwiches had Steph (and Eric) trying lots of culinary skills/cooking methods. By the time the journey was finished Steph was a good and confident cook; something she truly was grateful for! Read for yourself if Eric finally asks Steph to marry him! Thank you to Stephanie Smith for this true love story! Thank you also to Ballantine Books for publishing this book. I was lucky to receive this book thru the Goodreads.com giveaway. Thanks!
June 24, 2015
How the authors life revolves around her someday future husband Eric (aka E) their lives & her culinary taste/love for different sandwiches.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic cook book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great romance cooking movie, PP presentation or mini TV series (cooking show). It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Ballantine books; AUP; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic cook book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great romance cooking movie, PP presentation or mini TV series (cooking show). It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Ballantine books; AUP; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 23, 2015
I thought the title of the book was cute which was why I wanted to read it. I was unfamiliar with the author's story even though she said it was all over the news a few years ago.
What I liked:
The relationship between Stephanie and E. They really cared about each other and it showed.
The author had a great relationship with her Mom and Dad and made it clear that she wanted a relationship like theirs when she got married.
Stephanie really wanted to become a better cook and really admired Eric's culinary expertise and confidence.
I didn't like:
I was confused by the format. Was it a cookbook or a romance story.?
98% of the recipes were too unusual for my palate. They didn't appear to be and sounded like l
What I liked:
The relationship between Stephanie and E. They really cared about each other and it showed.
The author had a great relationship with her Mom and Dad and made it clear that she wanted a relationship like theirs when she got married.
Stephanie really wanted to become a better cook and really admired Eric's culinary expertise and confidence.
I didn't like:
I was confused by the format. Was it a cookbook or a romance story.?
98% of the recipes were too unusual for my palate. They didn't appear to be and sounded like l
August 16, 2015
Wow--a 1 star! Food memoirs are my FAVORITE genre, but this one really bothered me. The author's boyfriend says he'll marry her if she makes him 300 sandwiches, and off she goes. I can understand why she was criticized for being anti-feminist. Her whole tone of the book is very submissive, and her boyfriend comes across as being whiny and demanding. He has a whole list of foods he won't eat, and she can't eat them when he's around...so when he's gone, she makes "Forbidden" sandwiches with all the yummy foods she loves that she can't keep around). This book really bothered me!
August 20, 2015
The author decides to make her boyfriend 300 sandwiches after he offhandedly comments, after sandwich number 1, "300 more of those and you've got yourself an engagement ring" or something to that effect. The comment is the genesis of a blog and this book and along the way, an article in the NY Post, where the author works, as well as a Today Show appearance.
There was much criticism of the author and her boyfriend from feminists and civil rights activists (she is black; he is white) but this was really just a story of a girl getting closer to a boy through food.
There was much criticism of the author and her boyfriend from feminists and civil rights activists (she is black; he is white) but this was really just a story of a girl getting closer to a boy through food.
February 2, 2016
I literally "just happened" upon this one (Goodreads miss-scanned a book and gave me this one instead), and was intrigued by the premise. Got a copy in my hands, and devoured it. It's whimsical, but not. It's fun and cute and quirky, but also more. It's true to life, ya know? With funny anecdotal accounts and the real, messy, raw emotion that living requires. There's recipes and cooking misadventures and love and angst (without being all drama queen-y, I don't like that flavor of angst), and yeah. It was a good read.
March 22, 2016
Enh. I grabbed this book because I love foodie memoirs and wanted to read about sandwiches. While it DID make me hungry for sandwiches, it didn't do much else for me. I just . . . I don't get it. I don't get the joke/bet/deal(?) she and her boyfriend made about him proposing after 300 sandwiches, I don't get her attitude and all the drama surrounding the when to get engaged, and I'm not sure how this is much more than a publicity stunt. I was touched though by the story of her father at the end of his fight with lung cancer.
April 30, 2015
A warm and wonderful account of two lovers and their journey of discovery through food. The simple, caring act of thoughtfully preparing a meal for the one you love is a gift beyond measure. Stephanie and E carve out time from their super busy and now very public lives to consider, plan, shop and prepare beautiful food, presented with deep affection for each other. Their story is as sweet and savory as are the recipes.
March 4, 2016
Fun blogger to read - honest with her short comings and the ability to make fun of herself while trying to produce 300 sandwiches for her boyfriend on the premise that he would propose afterwards. But what really came of it wasn't about the sandwiches, it was about what it takes to make a marriage work. Compromise and communication. The added bonus is some new twists on sandwiches that will be great to try!
March 20, 2016
this is another gimmick book with a really yucky gimmick. Her BF will propose if she makes him 30o sandwiches. Yes, she works at justifying that this is a joke-y thing between them and he is very good to her and she is a feminist, yada yada. Not quite buying it. And the "recipes" (and there are not 300 in the book) are less than inspiring. Would she have gotten this published if she were not a NY Post page 6 reporter? I doubt it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews