Grilled Cheese

I am not a sandwich person.  Oh, I eat them because they are convenient, but I would always choose a salad or bowl of soup or an entree type meal over a sandwich.  For grilled cheese though I make an exception.

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day.  For the occasion I am planning some grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.  Crispy hard rolls will be stuffed with pulled pork and Monterey Jack cheese and I will grill them panini style to melt the cheese.  

This made me think about my favorite diner sandwich.  Most of the time when I go to a diner, no matter what time of day, I order breakfast food.  But, when I order a sandwich, it has to be a tuna melt with Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese.  The tuna has to have crunchy celery in it.  I especially like the open faced varieties because the tuna stays cool and the bread and cheese are crispy and hot and bubbly.   I love that contrast.  YUM!!  Just writing about it, makes me need one (YES NEED!) NOW!!!

I used to go to a local place for live music and they had a grilled cheese on the menu that I just had to order every time. It had 5 different cheese, applewood smoked bacon and tomatoes on it. It was made in a thickly sliced sourdough bread. I have yet to have a better one.

I found a really great link at the Food Network for fifty different grilled cheeses.  Check them out!

Recipe for Christmas Joy

Ingredients:

1/2 C Hugs
4 tsp loving Kisses
4 C Love
1 C special Holiday Cheer
1/2 C Peace on Earth
3 tsp Christmas Spirits
2 Cups Goodwill Towards Men (and Women!)
1 Sprig Mistletoe
1 med size bag of Christmas Snowflakes
1 large bundle of Joy

DIRECTIONS
Mix hugs, kisses, smiles & love until combined. 

Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on earth, Christmas Spirits, and Goodwill towards men.

Use the Mixture to fill a LARGE WARM HEART, where it can be Stored for a Lifetime

 **It never goes bad**

Serve as desired under Mistletoe, Sprinkled liberally with Special Christmas Snowflakes, and a Bundle of Joy.

Note: It is especially GOOD, accompanied by Christmas Carols, Music, and FAMILY GET TOGETHERS.

Serve to One and All. 

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS, 

"MERRY CHRISTMAS" and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Celebrate Creamsicle Day with a Creamsicle Pie

Ingredients

serves 8, active time 30 minutes, total time 9 hours

1 packaged graham cracker crust or make your own
12 ounces evaporated skim milk
2 packages instant fat and sugar free vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
Zest of 1 orange
16 ounces low fat cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
Garnish: Candied Orange Zest or crushed orange candies

Instructions:

1 Whisk together evaporated milk, pudding mix, and zest in a bowl for 2
minutes or until mixture is thickened.

2 Beat cream cheese and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer
until fluffy. Add orange juice concentrate, beating until smooth; add evaporated
milk mixture, and beat until blended.

3 Pour into crust. Cover and chill 8 hours or until firm.

4 Combine cream and confectioner's sugar in a bowl and whip with a whisk
until it holds soft peaks. Dollop or pipe each slice with whipped cream, and
garnish with candied zest or candy if desired.

I have made many rice pudding recipes in my rice cooker. This isn't my favorite, but it is very good and the easiest too. Since today is Rice Pudding Day, I thought I would share it.

Rice Pudding In A Rice Cooker

1 cup of short grain rice
2 cups of water
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup amber maple syrup (don't use the fake stuff, leave it out if you don't have the real stuff)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
milk to make up 4 cups total including the condensed milk (just under 3 cups)
2 tsp. vanilla extract


Rice Pudding Recipe Directions

Put the rice and water in your rice cooker, and set it to cook as plain rice.

When the rice is done, add the milk, spices, maple syrup and vanilla extract, stirring to make sure the condensed milk is mixed through. Set the rice cooker to cook again - if your rice cooker has a setting for porridge or congee, use that setting. Check it every 10-15 minutes or so, giving it a bit of a stir until you achieve the desired consistency. Coconut milk may be substituted for all or part of the milk.

***

Happy Cinco de Mayo with my Slow Cooker Pork Stew and Cornbread

Cinco de Mayo Pork Stew

2 1/2 pounds pork cutlets (country style pork ribs or pork for stew would also work)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 jalapeno, diced
1 link chorizo sausage, halved and sliced into half moons
1 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 14 oz can kernal corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups frozen)


Place pork in slow cooker.

Saute chorizo and jalapeno in a dry skillet. (If you start the chorizo first, you won't need any oil at all.) When chorizo is browned and peppers are fragrant pour over the pork in slow cooker. Add seasonings and vegetables then pour orange juice over it.

Cook on high for 4 hours or until pork is cooked through.

Serve with cornbread.

****

Diane's Menu June 15 - June 21

Diane's Menu June 15 - June 21

Monday - Jerk Chicken Tenders, Broccoli, Brown and Wild Rice
Tuesday - Slow Cooker Lamb Osso Bucco, over Polenta Squares
Wednesday - Shrimp Cocktails, Raw Carrots, Garlic Bread
Thursday - Steak, Salad, Baked Potato
Friday - Whole Wheat Pasta Amatriciana
Saturday - Dinner out
Sunday - Fathers' Day Rib Eye, Asparagus, Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Diane's Menu November 22 - November 28

Diane's Menu November 22 - November 28


Saturday - Moroccan Lamb and Butternut Squash with Couscous **
Sunday - Thai BBQ Chicken, Snow peas saute
Monday - Weekly Pizza Take-out
Tuesday - Pasta and Meatballs
Wednesday - out for dinner and live music
Thursday - THANKSGIVING at my sisters. I am bringing homemade Stuffed Grape Leaves for an Appetizer, Pumpkin Dinner Rolls ** and all the ingredients to make my own Pumpkin Martinis.
Friday - Grilled Shrimp on Spinach Salads

******

Moroccan Lamb and Butternut Squash with Couscous in slow cooker

2 pounds of lamb (shanks work, boneless leg of lamb works), if using boneless cut into very large chunks.
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion sliced thinly

3 dried red chilis or 1 tablespoon dried red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon turmeric

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (depending how spicy you like it)

1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger (depending how spicy you like it)

3 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 pound butternut squash, skinned and seeds removed, cut into large chunks
1 14 ounce can low sodium chicken broth



In a large saute pan, brown lamb in canola oil. (If you have a slow cooker that allows browning, use it.)

Remove lamb from pan. Add onion and chili peppers and stir to coat in oil and allow to soften. Add all of the spices and stir to coat and cover the onion with them. (If you are using a slow cooker that doesn't brown, this is the point where you would pour all of the ingredients into the slow cooker from whatever saute pan you had been using)

Add the honey and stir to mix in. Add the butternut squash and chicken broth. Stir to mix.

Place lamb on top of the mixture. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.

If using shanks, remove bones, if not just stir it all together and add 1 cup raw couscous. Stir to mix and cover and cook another 15 minutes.

Ready to serve and enjoy!


***********

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
5 tbsp butter, divided
1 tsp salt
2 pkg (1/4 ounces each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115 F)
2 to 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup canned pumpkin1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

In a small saucepan, heat the milk, brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, and salt to 110 - 115 F. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in a warm water. Stir in the milk mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, wheat flour, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining all purpose flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour. Punch dough down. Divide into 20 pieces. Shape into balls. Place in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled. Melt the remaining butter. Brush over the dough. Bake at 375 F. for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan to a wire rack.Makes about 20 rolls.

October Food Holidays - October is Just Around the Corner

October 1, 2006 Homemade Cookies Day
October 1, 2006 National Frappe Day
October 1, 2006 Pudding Season Begins
October 1, 2006 World Vegetarian Day
October 1-7, 2006 American Beer Week
October 1-31, 2006 Eat Country Ham Month
October 1-31, 2006 International Microwave Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Apple Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Applejack Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Caramel Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Chili Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Cookbook Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Cookie Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Dessert Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Pasta Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Pickled Peppers Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Pizza Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Popcorn Poppin' Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Pork Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Pretzel Month
October 1-31, 2006 National Seafood Month
October 1-31, 2006 Vegetarian Awareness Month
October 2, 2006 National Fried Scallops Day
October 3, 2006 National Caramel Custard Day
October 4, 2006 National Taco Day
October 4, 2006 National Vodka Day
October 5, 2006 National Apple Betty Day
October 6, 2006 National Noodle Day
October 8, 2006 National Fluffernutter Day
October 9, 2006 Moldy Cheese Day
October 9, 2006 National Dessert Day
October 9, 2006 Submarine - Hoagie - Hero - Grinder Day
October 10, 2006 National Angel Food Cake Day
October 11, 2006 National Sausage Pizza Day
October 11, 2006 World Egg Day
October 12, 2006 National Gumbo Day
October 13, 2006 National Peanut Festival
October 13, 2006 National Pumpkin Festival
October 13, 2006 National Yorkshire Pudding Day
October 14, 2006 Chocolate Covered Insect Day
October 15, 2006 National Chicken Cacciatore Day
October 15, 2006 National Mushroom Day
October 15, 2006 National Roast Pheasant Day
October 16, 2006 National Liqueur Day
October 16, 2006 World Food Day
October 17, 2006 Four Prunes Day
October 17, 2006 National Pasta Day
October 18, 2006 National Chocolate Cupcake Day
October 19, 2006 National Seafood Bisque Day
October 20, 2006 National Brandied Fruit Day
October 21, 2006 Caramel Apple Day
October 21, 2006 National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
October 22, 2006 National Nut Day
October 23, 2006 Canned Food Day
October 23, 2006 National Boston Cream Pie Day
October 24, 2006 Good And Plenty Day
October 24, 2006 National Bologna Day
October 25, 2006 National Greasy Foods Day
October 26, 2006 National Mincemeat Day
October 27, 2006 American Beer Day
October 27, 2006 National Potato Day
October 28, 2006 National Chocolate Day
October 28, 2006 Wild Foods Day
October 29, 2006 National Oatmeal Day
October 29-6, 2006 National Chili Week
October 30, 2006 Buy a Doughnut Day
October 30, 2006 National Candy Corn Day
October 31, 2006 Halloween
October 31, 2006 National Candy Apple Day

I could celebrate anything - June Food Holidays

These are the June Food Holidays that I will be following!

I removed some from the larger list because I don't celebrate foods that I don't like.


Although I'm not quite sure why National Turkey Lover’s Month is in June, I'm not complaining because most people (not me!) love turkey anytime.

National Candy Month
National Dairy Month
National Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Month
National Papaya Month
National Seafood Month
National Turkey Lover’s Month


In addition to celebrating the monthly holiday, each day in June brings a new festivity:

June 1: National Hazelnut Cake Day
June 2: National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day
June 3: National Egg Day
June 4: National Cheese Day
June 4: National Frozen Yogurt Day
June 5: National Gingerbread Day
June 6: National Applesauce Cake Day
June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day (I don't eat this, but Hubby does!)
June 8: Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day
June 9: National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day
June 10: Herbs & Spice Day
June 11: National German Chocolate Cake Day
June 12: National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
June 13: Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
June 14: National Strawberry Shortcake Day
June 15: National Lobster Day
June 16: National Fudge Day (YES for HUBBY! I don't like chocolate)
June 17: Eat All Your Veggies Day
June 17: National Apple Strudel Day
June 18: National Cherry Tart Day
June 18: International Picnic Day
June 19: National Dry Martini Day
June 20: National Vanilla Milkshake Day
June 21: National Peaches and Cream Day
June 22: National Chocolate Eclair Day
June 23: National Pecan Sandy Day
June 24: National Pralines Day
June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day
June 26: National Chocolate Pudding Day
June 27: National Indian Pudding Day (http://www.risingwoods.org/FOODANDWINE/recipes/betterindianpudding.htm)
June 27: National Orange Blossom Day
June 28: National Tapioca Day
June 29: National Almond Butter Crunch Day
June 30: National Ice Cream Soda Day