299. Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese

I love how a sandwich can resonate with so many generations and bring back such fond memories.  A grilled cheese is one such sandwich.  I remember as a kid visiting my grandparents and being served a grilled cheese with a bowl of soup for lunch.  As a young adult recently married, many years ago, I often wanted the comfort of this sandwich when I was ill and far away from family.  It just reminded me of home.

I was excited when Kitchen PLAY invited me to participate in 30 Days of Grilled Cheese and that Land O'Lakes^® Deli Cheese would be our cheese of choice.  Why my excitement?  Two reasons:  creamy and delicious.  This cheese melts to a creamy texture in your favorite grilled cheese sandwich and the flavor is, well, delicious.  I also like that you can buy it freshly sliced from your deli.  This gives you the choice of buying just the right amount and you can even mix the flavors.  Land O’Lakes has yellow and white Deli American Cheese and a wonderful 4 Cheese Italian Blend. They are both creamy and delicious for grilled cheese sandwiches! 

So what makes the perfect grilled cheese sandwich?  I bet we would each have our own list of the combination of flavors we would enjoy the most.  I am going to share mine with you today.  I love the combination of flavors that you get when a cheese tray is ordered: fruit, cheese and meat.  I wanted to combine these flavors into a sandwich.

I enjoy a sandwich that has a bit of sweet combined with a hint of tart; crunch with a smooth texture; warm and cold tones.  I look forward to every bite being filled with flavor, textures and maybe even a bit of a surprise.  I like to use bread that has a rustic look to it, like French or sourdough.  The holes in the bread allow steam to rise through it and melt your cheese.  I also like to use smaller loaves so that as your grilled cheese sandwich builds to a certain height it is easier to hold in your hands.  If it gets too big then things start falling out and slipping all over the place—that just will not do, in my opinion.

  

Recipe:  Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese

¼ cup of sliced red onions

1 teaspoon of butter

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, any flavor

2 slices of your favorite rustic bread

4 slices of Black Forest ham

2-3 slices of Land O Lakes^® Deli American Cheese

4 strawberries, sliced

Honey or Dijon mustard

¼ cup Arugula greens

Butter, to grill bread

·      In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add onions.  Let brown for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add balsamic vinegar and let cook an additional 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.

· Lightly butter each slice of bread on one side and add to hot skillet. Top each slice of bread with a piece of cheese and let melt. In a separate part of the pan, add the ham with another slice of cheese. This allows the ham to be warm and more cheese to be added to your sandwich.

·      When the cheese has melted, on one side, add the Dijon mustard and ham.  Then add the slice strawberries, Arugula,  and grilled red onions. Top with the last piece of toasted bread.

·      Gently press down on the top piece of bread to allow the ingredients to hold together.  Remove from heat and serve immediately.

If you need a gluten free bread recipe, I have one that would work great for this sandwich.  The recipe can be found HERE.

Written by Sherron Watson

Flourless Chocolate Cake

I am always amazed when I make a recipe and it does not have any flour in it. Isn't flour in all baked goods? I grew up with this idea and only discovered in the last few years that there are wonderful desserts that do not include any flour. This makes me happy.

What I love the most about this delicious cake is that it has a crunchy top with a moist and fudge-like texture. It will melt in your mouth.

You will notice that I made this cake in an 8 inch spring foam pan (the original recipe calls for a 9 inch-if you have this size use it or leave a little bit of batter out of the 8 inch) , I had a little bit of batter left over and tried it in an oven proof ramekin that I like to use for individually sized portions--it worked wonderfully!

I was able to slide a knife around the outer edge and the mini cake came right out and I served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. DELICIOUS!

For those that have been wondering where I have been (it has been a while since I last posted) I have been consumed with my pregnancy.  I finally am through the first three months and feeling some what human again.  I won't lie-it was rough.  The morning sickness that lasted all day--did me in.  It was all I could do to get through the day with homeschooling Isabella and keeping up with the family.

Thankfully I have a very supportive family and they helped a ton!  I am feeling so much better and in my 4th month.  I cannot believe the time has gone by so fast already.  Before I know it a baby will be here.

Finding out that you are pregnant at 45 is always a bit of a shock but an even larger shock for those around you--especially your teenage kids!  LOL  They have been great about the whole thing. I honestly don't feel 45 and my body is holding up well.   I do feel tired and I worry about gaining too much weight--so far I am holding at a 6 pound gain in 4 months--as you know, they say the older you get the harder the pounds are to come off.   I have been riding my bike and walking every week.  

I can't say enough how happy I am for this new little blessing in our family.  He or she will keep us young at heart and I love that Isabella will have a sibling closer to her age.

All I can say is-life is good!  Enjoy every day.

Recipe:  Flourless Chocolate Cake

Adapted from Gastronomers Guide

8 large eggs, separated

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup of butter

1 tablespoon instant coffee grounds

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper-bottom and sides. Spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl add egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form.

In a medium bowl, add egg yolks and beat until pale (4 minutes). Add sugar and continue to mix for 3 more minutes.

Place a large heat proof bowl over a simmering pot of water and melt chocolate chips and butter; add instant coffee grounds and salt, combine well.  Let chocolate cool slightly.

Slowly pour cooled chocolate into egg yolk mixture. 

Add egg yolk/chocolate mixture to egg whites and fold until no streaks of white remain.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.

Let cool slightly and remove springform pan.

Yields: 8-10 slices

Chicken Divan #SundaySupper #BudgetFriendly

For Sunday Supper this week we are sharing Budget Friendly dishes.  Chicken Divan is one of my favorite dishes for several reasons.  I grew up eating this dish but we did not know it by this fancy name.  We called it Chicken and Broccoli with Miracle Whip.  I was a kid of the 70s/80s and Miracle Whip was a big deal at our house.  In fact it was an us against them issue often: the mayonnaise lovers against the Miracle Whip die hards.  

The issue was constant, especially when it came time to make tuna fish, sandwiches of any kind or casseroles.

I kind of got off track...oops!

The other reason this dish is a favorite is because I can easily use up the extra chicken from a previous meal and the extra crown of broccoli I always over buy.  It never fails. I know that my family will eat one crown but I always buy two.  Someday I will learn.

I have to be honest and get this off my chest.  Orange cheese and yellow curry sauce do not photograph well. I have tried on numerous occasions with this casserole and have been a bit disappointed with the results.  Today I am just going for it and hoping that you can see beyond the "color" scare that is staring back you in the pictures.

I know that someone will ask me if they can substitute something else for the Miracle Whip.  I am going to say no if you want it to taste like mine.  I have tried.  I have tried in the past to make something that tasted similar and not use the Miracle Whip.  It just is not the same.  If you have any suggestions that have worked for you, I would love to hear them.

You will notice that I make my own creamy "soup" mix instead of using the standard 2 cans of cream of chicken soup.  This is a personal preference and you can make the switch if you don't want to try the homemade version.  Please do what is easiest for you and your family.

The recipes that we are sharing for Sunday Supper can be found at the end of this post along with some information about a conference that is being held in July.  It will be our first gathering with lots of speakers and fun!  Check out the link.

Recipe:  Chicken Divan

2 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup or recipe for Creamy soup (recipe below)
3 medium sized chicken breast, cooked and diced
1 large crown of broccoli, steamed
1 cup of Miracle Whip
pinch of salt
3 teaspoons of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of yellow Curry powder
1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded

Recipe for Creamy Chicken Soup
Makes about 2 cups

1/4 cup of butter
1/4 cup of flour or rice flour
1 cup of whole milk
1 cup of chicken broth

Melt Butter, add flour.  Cook for one minute.  Add milk and broth.  Cook and stir until thickened.

Remove from stove and let cool.  Use this whole recipe in the Chicken Divan recipe.

Store in fridge for one week.

To make Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a 9X13 baking dish or equivalent, add cooked chicken pieces.  Add broccoli florets.

In a medium size bowl combine soup (canned or homemade), lemon juice, Miracle Whip, pinch of salt and curry powder.  Stir well.

Add the sauce to the top of the broccoli.

Top the casserole with shredded cheese.

If you would like to add a breadcrumb or panko topping you may.  Take 1/2 cup panko or bread crumbs and combine with 2 teaspoons of butter. Sprinkle over shredded cheese.

Bake casserole for 30 minutes.  Remove and serve.  Sometimes we serve this with rice.

Starters, Soups, and Salads

• Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
• Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

• Salmon Lasagna from Blueberries and Blessings
• Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
• Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
• Chicken and Brown Rice with Veggies and Mushrooms from Daily Dish Recipes
• The Cod Puffs War {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
• From the Pantry Peanut Noodles from Supper for a Steal
• Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
• Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from I Run For Wine
• Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
• Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
• Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
• Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
• Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
• Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons from The Lovely Pantry
• Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

• English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
• Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
• Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

• Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Portuguese Rice Pudding {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie

How do you cut back on food expense? Do you grow your own vegetables or cook more at home? Buy in bulk? Share your secrets in the comments below…

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.

Announcing the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper!It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference

Orange Pound Cake (Gluten Free) #SundaySupper

Are you shocked to not see a traditional poundcake staring back at you?  Don't fret.  This Orange Pound Cake can be made in a loaf pan and served sliced OR you can get creative like I did and make it into a cake, you know, a pound CAKE.   

Why mess with something already so perfect?

I will have to blame it on the pregnancy hormones. I have not been cooking a whole lot over the last three months. My creative juices were going wild when I finally could step back into the kitchen and see, smell and taste food. I wanted to do something fun for my family.

I don't make a lot of cakes. Gluten free cake mixes are expensive and gf cakes from scratch don't always turn out for me. I found this Lemon Pound Cake recipe from The Baking Beauties and I was blown away. It tasted and felt just like a REAL pound cake.

Our Sunday Supper theme this week is "citrus".  I was excited because I love lemons, limes and oranges. One of my favorite Christmas candies is the chocolate orange that you WHACK on the table to slice. I thought to myself, could I make the pound cake into a cake and add chocolate fudge and achieve the same result: orange and chocolate yumminess?

I think I have come close. Like I said earlier you can make this in a loaf pan or you can make the "cake" version and use 2 nine inch round cake pans. The cook time will be reduced slightly and you can embellish the cake with any toppings or frosting you want.

I chose to use fresh whipped cream, shaved chocolate bar, orange peel zest and my homemade chocolate fudge. I also added some orange marmalade to the center as a filling and dipped orange slices into chocolate to crown the cake. It was a party cake and I had to use all of my accessories...LOL

I cannot wait for you to see all of the Citrus delights being shared by my friends for Sunday Supper this week. Our host is Jen from Juanita Cocina. The list of recipe links is below my recipe.

I hope your weekend is going well. Ours has been wonderful with a visit from the Easter bunny, a few dozen boiled eggs and T-Bone Steaks.  This is the first Easter dinner in 25 years I have not made a ham or leg of lamb.  The family voted and this is what they wanted. I think it has a lot to do with our Spring like weather and the fact they want to be outside using the BBQ.  It is just fine with me as long as they are happy and we are together.

Recipe: Orange Pound Cake, Gluten Free
Adapted from The Baking Beauties

3/4 cup super fine white rice flour (151g)
5 tablespoons sweet rice flour (40g)
5 tablespoons potato starch (55g)
4 tablespoons tapioca starch (40g)
3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 cup of butter, soft
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla

Toppings are optional:   Cream for whipped cream, chocolate bar to grate, orange marmalade for cake, orange rind for zest, orange slices for dipped oranges, dark chocolate chips to dip orange slices in and hot fudge sauce.

HOT FUDGE SAUCE:  1 can of condense milk, 1 stick of butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips.  Combine in a pan and warm.  Stir to combine.  Serve on cake, ice cream or use to dip fruit.

Preheat oven to 325.  If using a loaf pan, line with parchment and spray ends of pan.  If using the 2 round nine inch cake pans, cut circles of parchment paper for the bottom and spray the sides.

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and whisk well.

In a separate bowl, add sugar and butter. Beat for 4 minutes until light yellow.

Add one egg at a time to the butter/sugar mixture, combine well after the addition of each egg.  Add vanilla.

Alternate the orange juice/milk and dry ingredients when blending in with the egg/butter/sugar mixture.

The batter will be thick.  Add to the prepared loaf pan or distribute equal amounts of batter to the 2 cake pans.

Bake the loaf pan for 60-65 minutes and the two cake pans for 40 minutes.  A toothpick should come out clean.

Let cool for 5 minutes and remove to cookie rack to finish cooling. To assemble the cake, they should be completely cool.

Wrap well.  The pound cake is good for 3-4 days on the counter.  NOTE:  It will get drier the longer it sits out.

To make the orange slices:  Dip orange slices into melted chocolate chips. Cool on parchment paper until ready to use. If in a hurry, you can put them in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm the chocolate.

To assemble the cake:  Place one cake round on bottom of cake plate, cover with chocolate fudge, add a layer of orange marmalade.  Tip the second layer over and cover with fudge sauce and then add it to the top of the orange marmalade.  Top the cake with fudge sauce (it will fall over the sides and the insides will ooze out from the center).  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Remove and add whipped cream, shaved chocolate, orange zest and chocolate covered oranges.

Sorry this picture below is not prettier but this shows you all the layers really well.

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

• Orange Ricotta Pancakes from Gotta Get Baked

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

• Honey Lime Dressing from Ruffles & Truffles
• Lemon Poppyseed Sweet Bread from Food Lust People Love
• Meyer Lemon Pistachio Loaf from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Moroccan Preserved Lemons from MarocMama

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

• Ceviche from Cookistry
• Cilantro Lime Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Citrus Ginger Chicken from Kudos Kitchen
• Easy Indian Lemon Chicken from Soni’s Food
• Grilled Orange & Lime Chicken Thighs from Big Bear’s Wife
• Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus with Brown Rice from Daily Dish Recipes
• Orange Chicken from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Red Cabbage and Red Pepper Salad with Citrus Dressing from Family Foodie
• Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw from Magnolia Days
• Tangy Lemon Rice with Grated Mango & Roasted Cashew from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

• Blood Orange Sorbet from My Cute Bride
• Broiled Oranges with Toasted Coconut from Neighborfood
• Clementine Curd from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Creamsicle Cupcakes from The Meltaways
• Dairyfree Key Lime Meringue Bliss from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Fresh Lemon Mousse from Comfy Cuisine
• Frozen Lemon Dessert from Gourmet Drizzles
• Gluten Free Orange Pound Cake from Simply Gourmet
• Honey and Lemon Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Key Lime Biscotti from Juanita’s Cocina
• Key Lime Cheesecake from Flour on My Face
• Key Lime Cookie Bars from Supper for a Steal
• Key Lime Truffles from What Smells So Good?
• Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Lemon Coconut Cinnamon Rolls from Chocolate Moosey
• Lemon Cookies from Basic N Delicious
• Lemon Cream Pie Push Pops from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lemon Layer Cake from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Lemon Ricotta Cake from The Urban Mrs.
• Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Mini Meyer Lemon Pies from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Mini Orange Cream & Lemon Cream Scones from The Foodie Army Wife
• No-Bake Lemon Cheese Cakes w/Blueberry-Lemon Sauce from Momma’s Meals
• Olive Oil Cake with Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom
• Omiyage California Citrus Cake from Ninja Baking
• Orange Cake with Orange Syrup from The Lovely Pantry
• Pink Grapefruit Pie from In the Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from In the Kitchen with KP
• Sugar-Free Lemon Meringue Pie from Webicurean
• Tarte au Citron from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Sour Sips & Drinks:

• {DIY} Arancello and Limoncello from girlichef
• Orange Creamsicle Smoothies from Mama.Mommy.Mom

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, March 31st to talk all about citrus recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Written by Sherron Watson

French Gratin Potatoes #SundaySupper

This Sunday our Sunday Supper group is sharing Passover and Easter recipes.  When I think of Easter in my home growing up we always had ham and scallop potatoes.  In fact, my sister has kept the tradition going for many years, when the celebration is held in her home.

I find myself experimenting with dishes and changing things up sometimes.  This potato dish is different then the one I grew up with because the cheese is a different style and flavor and this changes the dish slightly.  I like the use of gruyere cheese personally.  The flavor is one that is unique and allows this dish to shine.

I found this recipe a while back on a page called the French Tart.  I will share my adapted version below.  I even went and bought a fancy Le Crueset baking dish to prepare my gratin dish so that it would have the right presentation for my family.  I love these oval baking dishes.

I invite you to visit my friends from Sunday Supper  (recipes below).  They are a great group of men and women and I am always impressed with their dishes and stories.

Recipe: French Gratin Potatoes or Dauphinoise

Serves 6

Prep and Cook Time: 2 hours

3 lbs. of waxy potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

3 cups Gruyere Cheese, grated

2 cups of heavy cream

Salt

Pepper

3 cloves of minced garlic

2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Preheat oven to 3oo degrees.

Butter the inside of a heavy duty baking dish.

Add a layer of potatoes and a sprinkle of salt/pepper to the bottom of the dish, cover with cheese.  Repeat this until all of the potatoes and cheese are gone.  Your last layer should be cheese.

In a small saucepan, add heavy cream, garlic and thyme. 

Bring to a gentle boil, remove from heat and remove thyme.

Pour hot cream over potatoes.

Bake for 1.5 hours or until potatoes are done and the top is browned.

Easter

• How To Color Easter Eggs Naturally from Shockingly Delicious

Breakfast, Breads, and Buns

• Bunny Rabbit Bread from In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Easter Brunch Creme Brulee Baked Oatmeal from In The Kitchen With KP
• Fresh Blueberries Hot Cross Buns from My Cute Bride
• Jamaican Easter Spice Bun from The Lovely Pantry
• Paska – Ukranian Easter Bread from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Portuguese Easter Bread | Folar de Pascoa from Family Foodie
• Resurrection Rolls from NeighborFood

Appetizers and Sides

• Asparagus, Brie & Ham Crostini from Daily Dish Recipes
• French Gratin Potatoes (Dauphinoise) from Simply Gourmet
• Lemon Glazed Carrots from Curious Cuisiniere
• Not So Deviled Eggs from Country Girl in the Village
• Orange Raisin Couscous from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Potato and Leek Gratin from Webicurean
• Spinach Spaetzle (Spinat Spaetzle) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

Main Dishes

• Roast Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham from The Meltaways
• 
  

Dessert

• Alebele – Goan Coconut filled Pancake from Masala Herb
• Bunny-Approved Baked Easter Doughnuts from The Weekend Gourmet
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake from Chocolate Moosey
• Carrots in Dirt from The Urban Mrs
• Coconut and M&M’s Cookie from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Coconut Cake with Coconut Buttercream from Juanita’s Cocina
• Coconut Cupcakes from Magnolia Days
• Cream Cheese Candies from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Easter Egg Cookies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Easter Simnel Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Exotic Walnut Cookies from What Smells So Good?
• Japanese Easter Petit Fours and Flowers from Ninja Baking
• Nutella Easter Egg Candy from The Messy Baker
• Old-Fashioned Peanut Rolled Eggs from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Painted Sugar Cookies from Ruffles and Truffles
• Strawberry Bundt Cake from Basic N Delicious

Passover

• Homemade Matzo from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mock Gefilte Fish from Fast Food to Fresh Food

Dessert

• Apple and Cranberry Charoset from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
• Flourless Chocolate Torte from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Moroccan Haroset from MarocMama
• Pavlova with Red Berries, Lime and Hibiscus from YinMom YangMom

Wine Pairing Recommendations for #SundaySupper Religious Feasts from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Written by Sherron Watson

Croque Monsieurs, fancy ham and cheese sandwiches

While traveling in France with my high school french class during the summer of 1984, I fell in love with French food.  You could say it was the butter, the cream sauces or even the french bread, but I think it was more about the french kitchen and the french cook.  

They were passionate about their food, they loved their kitchen tools, the techniques were perfect and most dishes had the most deliciously sounding titles.  The French language is music to my years.  Even to this day if I hear it spoken I just want to sit and listen.  I don't care that I don't understand much anymore because it reminds me of the time I did spend in France when I could understand a few things.

Many of you know that I write for a local magazine, Capital Style Magazine.  For the month of March my assignment was to find family friendly French recipes.  I looked to my own family for inspiration.  My kids eat a ham and cheese sandwich every single day, sometimes two a day.  I go through about 6 pounds of ham a month.

I remembered this sandwich and thought of several things.  First it's French.  Secondly it can be prepared in a short amount time (family friendly) and thirdly, it can be made the traditional way with white bread or you can substitute gluten free bread or a croissant (pictured above).  It is a sandwich that can be altered to fit your dietary needs and still retain some of the original idea.

I know that at Whole Foods you can buy frozen gluten free croissants or attempt to make them from scratch.  I found this recipe HERE, although I have not tried them myself.

I will tell you the cheese sauce that goes over the sandwich is heavenly.  Smooth, creamy and the right balance of flavors.  I had some left over and added it to a bowl of noodles...YUM!  Just saying--it's super good.

Enjoy this recipe and I will be posting the other recipes that I shared with the magazine soon, so check back!

Recipe: Croque Monsieurs

Makes 8 sandwiches

Prep and Cook Time: 25 minutes

2 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons flour (I used brown rice flour to make it gluten free)
2 cups of hot milk

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

Pinch of nutmeg

12 ounces of Gruyere cheese, grated

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan

8 croissants or 16 slices of white bread (use gluten free bread if this is an issue for you)

Dijon mustard

8 ounces of ham, sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter in a small sauce pan, add flour and stir for 2 minutes.  Slowly pour in hot milk and whisk until sauce is thick.  Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese.  Stir until cheese is melted and set aside.

Cut the croissants in half and place on the cookie sheet.  Bake for 4 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove croissants, spread Dijon mustard on one half.

Add the ham and Gruyere Cheese, top with croissant.  

Spoon cheese sauce over each sandwich, top with more Gruyere cheese.

Bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until tops are browned.

I have included the pictures below to walk you through the process of making the sandwiches.

Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies, gluten free

The one thing that seems to be constant when I become pregnant is the need for peanut butter.  If at anytime--and this has been most of the time over the last two months--I start to feel queazy, I long for a peanut butter fix.

In searching the internet and pinterest I found this delicious recipe.  I have changed it just a hair and added my own special ingredient but the original recipe can be found on a blog titled Laurens Latest which another blog titled The Spiffy Cookie shared too. 

I am pretty sure I have made these too many times to count.

They are easy.

They are tasty.

They are my new favorite.

I added the uncooked oatmeal to add more texture and to add more fiber.  I think the pairing of the three flavors works well. 

Tell me what you think?  A keeper or what?  

Have a wonderful start to your 2013 Spring, I know I will.

Recipe:  Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies, Gluten Free

1 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter  (260 g)
1/4 cup white sugar (55g)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (55g)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup Nutella
1/4 cup uncooked old fashion oats (20g)
Course Salt, optional

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a large bowl blend peanut butter and sugars.  Add egg and vanilla.  Blend until smooth.

Stir in oatmeal.

Scoop onto cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and transfer to wire cookie rack to cool.  While still hot, use something to make a well in the top of the cookie.  I have an old spoon that works well.

Place Nutella in baggie and pipe into the well of each cookie.

Let finish cooling and then serve or eat them hot, either way they are moorish and you may find yourself making a second batch immediately...LOL

Written by Sherron Watson