Ham Roll Ups

Beginning of the semester is always busy! You've made a committment to stay on top of your work load, at least for the first day...you'll see how it goes! 

You're off to classes, home, ultimate frisbee, classes, study, gym, hang out, nap, etc.; and, somewhere between all those events...you gotta eat. So make it good!

Take a stab at these handy snacks I found on the Food Networks 'after school' suggestions: Ham-Scallion Pinwheels. Great snack for tailgating or having people over, too! 

No cooking skills required!

Ham Pinwheel Rollups

Equipment:

Mixing bowl

Fork 

Sharp knife

Ingredients:

Sundried Tomato Wraps

1(8oz) Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese

(Or use 50% Boursin / 50% cream cheese)

2-3 green onions, finely sliced

Deli Ham, thin slices

Optional:

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Definetely wash your hands!

2. Combine and whip softened cream cheese, boursin, and scallions with a fork.

3. Spread the cheese mixture across each wrap to the edges.

4. Add cucumber if you like. 

5. Arrange slices of ham next. 

6. Roll the whole thing up like a fat cigar.

7. Slice off 1/4"-1/2" rounds. 

8. Layer on platter and 

9. Serve with your favorite mustard!

Stuffed Potatoes

If you have a microwave, you can certainly make a regular "baked potato" on any given day, but if you add just a few extra minutes to your prep time, you can have yourself a tasty meal with enough leftover for the next day.

Found this recipe from Cooking Light's 'Dinner Tonight Cookbook'. Easily made in 20-30 minutes, including the 8 minutes baking time.

Equipment:
Large Baking Sheet
Microwave
Medium Mixing Bowl
Small saucepan or skillet

Ingredients:
3-4 Baking Potatoes
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
2-3 Tbls butter
1/2 cup gruyere cheese, grated (I use cheddar, gouda, whatever is in the fridge)
1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped
1-2 green onions, finely sliced (optional if you don't like onions)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.  Preheat oven to 450-500F degrees.
2. Scrub the potatoes and "stab it" 5-6 times

3. Place in the microwave and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on "HI" for 6 minutes.
4. Turn potatoes over at 6 minutes and microwave for another 6 minutes.  Total time:  12 minutes.
5. Prep garlic, cheese, ham, and green onions.

6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over MEDIUM heat and sauté garlic x 30 seconds.

7. Add milk and simmer.

8. When potatoes are tender, allow to cool x 3-5 minutes.
9. Cut potatoes in half and score the pulp with a 1/4" border to easily remove the pulp with a spoon.

10. Combine the pulp and milk mixture in a mixing bowl.

11. Add cheese, onions and ham.  Season with salt & pepper.

12. Equally divide the pulp mixture into the potato halves and sprinkle with cheese.

13. Place on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden on top.

14. Top it off with sour cream and enjoy.

PLs Cuban Sandwich

As promised, today I am going to feature my version of the cuban sandwich.  Remember to make extras of the Simple Pork Chops because you'll want to have enough to try this out--you may even convince your mind that you are somewhere on South Beach or sitting in Havana!

Equipment:

Toaster Oven

Sharp knife

Ingredients:

Leftover or Freshly-made Pork chops, sliced in half

Thin Sliced Ham

Gouda, Havarti, or Munster type cheese

Italian baguette (this is a lighter baguette, less chewy and less dense than a French baguette)

Mayonnaise

Mustard (I use Gulden's Brown)

Kosher Dill Pickles

Instructions:

1. Wash Your Hands.

2. Slice your baguette into thirds, cut in half and toast lightly.

(Buy an extra baguette and freeze it pre-sliced for future garlic bread or other sandwiches)

3. Carefully slice the pork chops in half, approx 1/8" in width.

4. Begin your assembly:

--Mayo and mustard, both sides

--pickles, one side

--ham, one side

--pork slices on top of ham

5. Briefly toast again until cheese is softened.

6. Combine both sides of the sandwich.

7. Dig in! Crunchy, warm, and so satisfying!

Light House Pizzeria

Pizza and college go hand in hand. And if you are anything like our son, you like a smorgasbord of variety. Look no further.

Beyond turning the oven to 450 degrees, you just need to get the fixins on the counter and start assembling! These are easy and scrumptious any which way you like them.

Below are two personal favorites, but traditional combos are good too. Branch out. Let your taste buds live a little.

Light House Pizza

Equipment:

Baking Sheet

Ingredients-The Basics:

1 bag Gyro Bread / 'no pocket' Pita Bread

Pizza Sauce (I suggest San Marzano)

Olive oil 

Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Fresh herbs if possible (oregano, basil)

Add-ons:

Tomatoes, sliced and/or roasted

Mushrooms, Sautéed

Sausage, cooked & drained

Fresh Mozzarella

Pepperoni

Artichokes

Pineapple

Canadian Bacon

Jalapeño, thinly sliced

Instructions:
1. Wash Your Hands
2. Pre-heat oven 450F degrees.
3. Place 3-4 gyro bread rounds on a baking sheet and heat for 4-5 min until just beginning to crisp

4. Remove from oven.

5. Drizzle or brush olive oil onto to rounds.
6. Spread 1-1 1/2 Tablespoons of your favorite pizza sauce.
7. Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Begin the journey with your favorite combos:
-Pineapple, Canadian Ham, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Jalapeño
-Sauteed Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions (see previous blogs)
-Artichoke Hearts, Canadian Ham, Fresh Mozzarella
-Tomato Slices, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil
-Mushroom & Sausage / Pepperoni

9. Once pizzas are assembled, drizzle with olive oil.  Salt & Pepper. Red Pepper Flakes.

10. Put in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and golden brown.

11. Enjoy the flavors, friends, and fun!  They will be back for Light House Pizza!

Visit the Windy City for it's deep dish pizza!

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Chicago Retro Mousepad

Chicago Retro Water Bottle