Worcestershire sauce

Family Friendly Fridays: A Review of 400 Best Sandwich Recipes

May 13, 2011 By Julie 21 Comments

Who loves a good sandwich? I know I sure do. That’s why I was delighted when Alison Lewis asked me to review her newly published cookbook; 400 Best Sandwich Recipes. As soon as I received it, I knew it would become one of my go-to kitchen favorites. With everything from the classic club and sloppy joe, to international flavors you might not have thought to put together on your own (think Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich containing pork, radishes and pickled carrots), to an extensive list of condiment recipes, this book has it all. She even throws in a handful of dessert sandwiches that are guaranteed to get your sweet tooth dancing. The best part is that the majority of recipes are quick, easy and healthy. Definitely my variety of cookbook.

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Shrimp Appetizer Delight

March 9, 2011 By Julie 29 Comments

Here in Charlotte, Scott and I belong to a neighborhood supper club. Once a month we get together with three other couples and share a meal. The person hosting is responsible for the main course and the other couples supply the appetizer, salad, and dessert. I look forward to the night all month long. I get to try out new recipes, we both get a night out away from the kids, and the food is most always amazing.

This past weekend was our first get together of the new year and I found myself in charge of the appetizer. Ideas fluttered through my mind; everything from a white bean dip with hummus chips to homemade crackers with an assortment of cheeses. But when all was said and done, a more hearty combination of cheese, shrimp and bacon won me over. Just try and tell me you can resist that combination of flavors. I didn’t think so.

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Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup

February 21, 2011 By Julie 63 Comments

Having grown up in Wisconsin, there were certain foods that I came to enjoy as a part of everyday life. Bratwurst cooked on the grill. Friday night fish fries. Beer (Need I say more). And then there is the food that Wisconsin has always been known for, cheese. California may try to claim it from us, but make no mistake, we are considered the cheeseheads for one big reason. Wisconsin knows cheese. Sorry California. I love your beautiful weather and your beaches (lord knows Wisconsin is lacking in the sand and salt water department and our winter weather leaves something to be desired), but I just can’t give you the crown for cheese over my beloved hometown state; and yes I’m most definitely biased.

So in the spirit of true cheesehead pride, I have created this recipe as a salute to the state where I grew up. You can find a steaming bowl of beer cheese soup in just about any mom and pop restaurant in Wisconsin. And I’m willing to throw money down that pretty much every bowl you find will be good enough to scrape the dish clean. There’s just something magical about combining cheese and beer together that makes the world right again. Serve up a brat or some fish fry on the side and you’ll be ready to move your roots to the north. Guaranteed.

In other news, the big day is finally here! My blogoversary is officially on Thursday, but we’ll be celebrating on Friday with a giveaway or two and a look back at the past year of Mommie Cooks (and what a year it’s been!) Hopefully the new site design will be launched by then as well. It’s as good as ready. I’m just waiting for the green light from my designer. So keep an eye out cuz Mommy’s updating to a whole new look and this one plans to stick around for awhile.

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