In and Out Grilled Ham & Cheese

Doesn't the photo above look good? It does...It looks so good it makes me want to go and fix it....
Here is a quick and delicious lunch item....The In and Out Grilled Ham & Cheese sandwich.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 slice(s) bakery Pullman bread
• 1/2 cup(s) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 pound(s) Swiss cheese, preferably Gruyère, sliced
• 8 ounce(s) ham, thinly sliced
• Dill pickle slices (optional)
• 2 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup(s) apricot preserves

DIRECTIONS:
 Butter each slice of bread and sprinkle with Parmigiano, pressing to help it adhere. Invert the slices onto a work surface, cheese side down. Top 4 of the slices with the Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles. Mix the mustard and preserves and spread on the remaining 4 slices of bread. Close the sandwiches and griddle over moderate heat, turning, until golden, crisp on the outside and melted inside, about 3 minutes. Cut in half and serve right away. 

I believe I learned how to fix this when I was a cook in the Air Force...we had a name for this, but it escapes me now..

Anyway...Enjoy!   Eat well my friends!

An Adult Milkshake

I saw an article on Boozy Milkshakes...What I like to call Adult Milk shakes...and I couldn't resist this recipe ,borrowed from the Southern Souffle- Soul+Food Blog for
the Drunken Jelly Doughnut Milk Shake...

You read right...The Drunken Jelly Doughnut Milk Shake....This is for all my grown folks out there-

INGREDIENTS:
2 cake doughnuts
3 large scoops French Vanilla Ice Cream
1/2 cup milk ( I used whole milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1/3 cup grand marnier

DIRECTIONS:
In a blender combine the doughnuts and the ice cream until smooth. Add in remaining ingredients and blend again just enough to combine. Serve immediately in tall glass or small glasses or just drink right out of the pitcher.

Thank you Erika of the Southern Souffle-Soul +Food Blog!

Enjoy!  Drink well my friends!

Pineapple & Ham Fried Rice

Hi, I know it's been awhile...but this blog is still up and running...It's summer and in the summer you might not want to have a hot oven running in your house....You might want something light....and something different...
and as far as different goes...You can't get any different than this recipe....Pineapple & Ham Fried Rice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup(s) long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil
• 6 ounce(s) thick-cut sliced ham, cut into thin 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 pound(s) (about 1/4 medium) pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large red pepper, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (seeded for less heat, if desired) jalapeño, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 piece(s) (1-inch) fresh ginger, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch matchsticks
• 2 clove(s) (large) garlic, finely chopped
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ham and cook, tossing occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the pineapple and cook until beginning to brown around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the pepper and cook, tossing, for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook, tossing, for 3 minutes. Add the jalapeño, ginger, and garlic and cook, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, 2 to 3 minutes more.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

(Don't Sweat the) TIPS & TECHNIQUES:

 For fried rice with the best texture, cook the rice the day before and cool in the fridge. Or, after cooking the rice, spread out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool as much as possible before adding to the skillet. This will keep the grains from sticking together.

Enjoy on a hot summer night...Eat and drink well my friends!