Did a little bit of everything today, errands, gardening and cooking. Woke up with plans to go to IKEA today, but forgot that it’s closed on Sunday. Bummer. They happen to be open tomorrow, so that’s first on the list. An interior-decorator friend of mine ordered me to go and check out their butcher block selection, and when it comes to making my kitchen perfect, who am I to say no? Haven’t been there in awhile, but their bottom floor of kitchen and housewares stuff is always fun, so I’m sure I’ll come home with a few goodies.
Having a Fourth of July BBQ tomorrow and I think I finally came up with a game plan for food. The requisite burgers, hot dogs and steaks on the grill, of course. For sides, I’m making an Orzo Salad with Lemon and Herbs, the Chinese Salad from Supper Club the other night, Zesty Parmesan Corn on the Cob, and Chips and Dip. Dessert will be a White Chocolate Bundt Cake and Chocolate Eclair Icebox Dessert. Mom’s bringing two salads as well, so I think it’s safe to say we’ll be well fed. Invited a few neighbors to stop by as well, and I subscribe to the belief that it’s better to have more food than not enough, wanted to make sure we had a full menu. ‘Sides, leftovers are A-OK by me.
Thought you’d like to meet 2 members of our family, Bella and Eli. Bella’s in the foreground, and Eli is the one pictured in my About Me section. Great dogs, they’re both rescues from puppy mills. Bella will be more than happy when the Fourth of July has passed. Hearing the fireworks just sends her pacing around the house, scared spitless.
Bella and Eli
Dinner tonight, I got to christen my panini maker. I made Pressed Cubanos with Bacon and they were delicious! It looks like we’re going to have fun with this new toy. Any good panini recipes to share?
Pressed Cubano with Bacon
Anyways, all for now. Tune in tomorrow for Fourth of July BBQ recipes. Until then…
Pressed Cubano with Bacon
From Cooking Light, 6/04
Garlic oil gives these sandwiches a crisp, flavorful crust. Hawaiian rolls provide a slightly sweet contrast to the salty ham, pickles, and mustard. To make this easy supper even quicker to prepare, use precooked bacon. Serve with banana peppers.
1 teaspoon extravirgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
4 (3-ounce) Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
8 (1/2-ounce) slices Swiss cheese, divided
4 bacon slices, cooked and halved
12 dill pickle slices
2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro
6 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 ounces thinly sliced deli roasted turkey breast
Combine oil and garlic. Spread cut sides of rolls evenly with mustard. Place 1 cheese slice, 2 bacon halves, 3 pickle slices, and 1/2 teaspoon cilantro on bottom half of each roll. Divide ham and turkey evenly among bottom halves of rolls; top each serving with 1 cheese slice and top half of roll. Brush garlic oil evenly over outside of rolls.
Heat panini maker. Add 2 sandwiches to pan and press gently to flatten. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until cheese melts and bread is toasted. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 sandwich)
I got a kick out of hearing of your plans to visit Ikea on a Sunday..I discovered the Bergen County blue laws myself recently (tried to visit a Target). Imagine my surprise to see the entire plaza closed. Ah well.
Gorgeous dogs!
S
I know, right? It’s kinda strange to see completely shut down parking lots on the weekends. Went today though, and they were hopping, right from the moment they opened their doors!