I’m aliiiiiive!

The “do I eat this and risk death?” Chicken Chili from last night did not, thankfully, kill me. Or make me sick. In fact, I stand by my statement that it was probably the best batch of Chicken Chili I’ve ever made! I give 100% credit to this puppy:

A big ol’ can of Bush’s Country Style Baked Beans added to the batch. I think last night I said I used homestyle but no, it was the extra thick, extra sweet, extra luscious country style. I normally opt for the less-sugar-added Vegetarian style, but was feeling extra frisky at the store and shot for the stars.

How do you like your chili? Sweet/Savory? Mild/Spicy? Meat/No Meat?

In other news, I seriously inHALED my dinner tonight – a Turkey, Ham & Apricot Panini!

 

Not an”ohmigoshIamsooooohungrygivemesomethingANYTHING!” inhale, rather a “eeeeeeeekthisissofreakinggoodimgoingtoeatitsofastsonobodycantakeit!!” inhale. You get it.

I started with Trader Joe’s French Bread and a slice of swiss cheese.  

These bread slices are super long which is optimal for a pressed sandwich, imo.

FYI – whenever I smell swiss cheese I immediately think of a Rueben sandwich, which is one of my top 3 favorite sandwiches, didn’t you know?!

On goes some Polaner Apricot Preserves.

Normally when I’m making a sweet/savory panini, I opt for Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter for the sweet component, but this was all I had in the house.

I looooove the ingredient list,

and the flavor is SO pure!

Finally, on goes some deli DiLusso Low-Sodium Deli Turkey & DiLusso Double Smoked Ham.

Sorry but, I. LOVE. HAAAAM! (Picture Oprah saying that – that’s how it came out in my head… ) Love it! Mmmm!

Piled high.

Next I heated up my Griddler for some panini press action. Here’s the deal, if you still need a gift for the foodie in your life, get them the Griddler. It is amazing and so versatile!

Its floating hinges press my panini evenly and produce a golden brown, perfectly crispy, ultra delish sandwich.

Right?!

 

For me – the flatter the panini, the better. You?

 

It’s Love!

Audibly crispy, I’m telling you.

The sweet apricot preserves are where it’s at. Sweet, chunky, chewy and so awesome with the salty ham.

Why pay $9 for a sandwich at some overpriced cafe when you can make it just as good – nay, better – at home?!

On the side I served one of my very favorite things – roasted broccoli.  

That’d be broccoli crowns tossed with EVOO, garlic salt and pepper, then roasted for 15 minutes @ 425 degrees.

I promise you, if your kids won’t eat their veggies, try giving it to them this way. They taste like fries…

In other news, I’ve got a hot date with a cardboard box tonight…

HA! Ok, plus some poster board, tissue paper, tape and lights. I’m making a homemade light box! Blurry, dark and unappealing winter photos be damned – bright, ethereal, appetizing pictures will soon triumph!

I’m actually really excited to make this. (Here’s an example. Try not to snort milk out of your nose while reading this post – it’s hysterical.) I’m definitely a crafty, hands on kind of person. I like getting down and dirty with DIY projects, decor, etc. which is why I think I love cooking and baking so much. It’s so rewarding to have a product that you made with your own two hands, you know?!

Ben has banned me from BOTH sides of the basement, finished and unfinished, because apparently he needs the whole thing to whip up my Christmas gift (it’s actually really cute…his franticness, not the gift…although I’m sure the gift will be too… ) so I’ll be crafting in the comfort of my kitchen. I’ll let you know how it goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok – I’m off to get my DIY on!

PS get excited for the following news: there are only FOUR DAYS LEFT in the Breakstone Blogger Challenge!!! Aka you get to stop hearing about it from me everyday very, very soon – Merry Christmas! In the meantime, would you pretty, pretty please take a minute and cast your vote for my 3 holiday-themed dishes – Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Dip, Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast & Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies by clicking here?

Those of you who tell me you are voting everyday – you don’t even know how much that warms my heart! Thank you SO. SO. SO MUCH!!!!

Peace!

~~~~~

Tonight’s discussion topic comes courtesy of the husband: Would you rather have no brain or no heart?

Easy – no brain!