What to make this 4th of July?

Here are some more GREAT posts by Kate...I myself am thinking of making these Mini Caprese Bites for the 4th, along with my Sweet Dilled Macaroni Salad...mmm mmm mmm, can't wait!

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I felt like something different for lunch today so I went with a grilled cheese, just improved...A jalapeno popper inspired grilled cheese sandwich with roasted jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, jack & cheddar cheese and crumbled tortilla chips for a bit of crunch.  I only made mine with jalapeños thinking the kids wouldn't like them...my middle child kept coming up to me asking me for more jalapeños...that was a sacrifice for me!

2 jalapeno peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
2 slices sour dough bread
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup jack and cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon tortilla chips, crumbled

1.Place the peppers on a baking sheet with the cut side facing down.

2.Place the baking sheet on the top shelf in the oven and broil until the outer layer of the skin has blackened, about 8-14 minutes.

3.Place the peppers in a zip-lock bag or other sealable container, seal and let them cool until you can handle them, about 20 minutes.

4.Remove the skins from the peppers. The skins should easily "pinch" off.

5.Assemble sandwich and grill until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.  Serve with some chips and salsa or guacamole and enjoy!



Recipe adapted from Closet Cooking.

The BEST Broiled Tomato Sandwich on Earth

So I had pretty much forgotten about this sandwich for the last year or so and was reminded of tomato sandwiches the other day...so my long lost treat is back!  My husband is not a big tomato fan, but when I made this for my lunch he wanted a bite.  I was reluctant to share, (I wanted it all for myself!)  Once he had that first bite though...he was hooked!  You will not regret making this sandwich, but you may regret not making more!

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 slices bread, lightly toasted

1. Preheat oven to broil.

2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. Marinate the tomatoes in the mixture, stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, parsley, oregano, black pepper and 4 teaspoons Parmesan cheese. Spread mixture on each slice of toasted bread. Place marinated tomatoes on 2 slices and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

4. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown. Serve immediately, open faced or closed and enjoy!

 
Recipe found at Allrecipes.