Speaking of Sandwiches...

No recipe.  That photo just reminded me of this photo of a sandwich I made for Cole this summer.  Looks yummy, right?

Sharing the Love: Big Boy Slim Jim

Almost as much as I love a ham dinner with mashed potatoes and ham gravy, a vegetable, and some yummy bread, I love recipes with that leftover ham.  I probably love wild rice soup the best, or scalloped potatoes and ham, or a good ham chowder.  But I won't lie, I bought a ham to make this week specifically for this recipe.  The captain and I were so excited to try it, and we were not disappointed!

My aunt Anne got the recipe from my Aunt Maria, and she shared it on her blog here.  But in the interest of keeping the recipe for posterity, and to share my variation, I'm also sharing the recipe with you here.

Slim Jim Sauce:
1 c mayo
2 T dill pickle relish
2 T pickle juice
1 T finely chopped onion

Mix together well.  (You can make this ahead of time and chill if you want.)

Hoagie Buns
Ham (I used leftover, but you could sub sandwich slices)
Cheese (I used provolone; Anne uses swiss)
Lettuce
Tomato
Slim Jim sauce

Brown ham in skillet, set aside.  Slice hoagie buns and lightly butter each side.  Grill butter-side down until lightly brown.  Liberally spread slim jim sauce on both sides of bun.  Layer ham, cheese, tomato, and lettuce.

Enjoy!

Sharing the Love: Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

My mom used to make spice cake with caramel frosting.  I love it so much...it tastes like my childhood.  I got a craving for it today, and I had pumpkin, so this is what I made:

Pumpkin Cake
1 3/4 c sugar
4 eggs
1 c vegetable oil
1 can pumpkin
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mix first four ingredients until well blended.  Add dry ingredients, beat on medium for two minutes.  Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 cake pan.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350.  (For cupcakes, 17-20 minutes at 350) . Allow to cool before frosting.

Caramel Frosting:
1/2 c butter
1 c packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
6 T milk
3 c sifted powdered sugar

Melt butter and add brown sugar.  Bring to a boil.  Boil for two minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, cool slightly then whisk in milk.  Return to a boil, then remove from heat.  Let cool to lukewarm (about 15 minutes).  Stir in powdered sugar.  (If it's too think, you can add a little milk, or if it's too thin, more sugar.)  Spread on cooled cake.

Enjoy!

Be Kind Winner!

CamelBak Water Bottle

(I was going to choose Ellen underwear,

but there ain't nothing worse than ill-fitting underwear!)

After a very sophisticated selection ("Pick a number, Captain!"), Mindi is my Be Kind to One Another giveaway winner! 

I loved all of my entries.  My friends paid for others' groceries, and gas.  They paid compliments, and they sent random gifts.  I am so proud of my friend base.  I have succeeded in surrounding myself with really great people and I hope this contest carries on into your lives on a daily basis.  I know others' are blessed by you the way I am!

I am frequently inspired by this story Mindi told awhile ago, and she is a kind and deserving winner.  You all are.  If I was rich, I'd have bought you all something!

Thanks for participating.  Be kind to one another!

Ice Cream for Dinner Day

Tomorrow is a very important day!  It's the Fifth Annual Ice Cream for Dinner Day!  It was started by my friend Jen in memory of her father.  These are her words:

On October 15, 2005, my father's life was cut short after a very brief battle with cancer. While he was in the hospital, the doctor cleared him to have any food he wanted. I called and had my brother bring a small cup of Haagan Daas Vanilla ice cream brought in for him - his favorite. Unfortunately, he was never able to have that cup of ice cream.

As a tribute to my father, ice cream for dinner day was born. Dad was a funny guy, but most importantly, he had his priorities IN CHECK. If he were here with us today, I know he would not only support ice cream for dinner, but for breakfast and lunch too.

I invite you to join me for one night and get your priorities in check too. Celebrate spontaneity. Realize that life is short and unpredictable and that sometimes you don't get the opportunity to do things that you put off until later (like dessert). Remember those who have left us. Come to terms with the idea that watching the excitement on your children's faces when you tell them you're having ice cream for dinner is way more fun than trying to force them to eat their veggies, and for one night out of the year it truly will not kill them. Join in a tradition. And remember that ice cream has calcium, bananas have potassium and fiber and nuts have protein so all is not lost.

Every year there are always party-poopers who say "there's NO WAY I'd feed my kids ice cream for dinner!" To those people, I say, you have clearly missed the point.

Invite everyone you know! I am always amazed and my heart is so warmed that this event always spreads like wildfire. Every year the response is overwhelming and so touching.

p.s. you know you want ice cream. Live a little.

Brilliant.  Participate, and enjoy.  (And if you already have dinner plans, choose another day!)

Giveaway Reminder!

I bought this and read it on the plane ride out. And those in the seats around me must have thought I was crazy...it's HILARIOUS and I couldn't help but roar out loud.  I felt like I was watching a comedy show.  Read it.

Also, enter my Be Kind to One Another contest!  You can enter until Wednesday night!  Enter here, or there.  I'll get your comment.  Or call me, or email me or facebook me.  Just enter.