Recipe - Grilled Ham Sandwiches

AND not just any ham sandwich. This is another take on my every loving comfort food, Mr. Grilled Cheese. Throw in a little meat for protein, a little spinach for the green veggies and you have a pretty decent sandwich (and shhhh...it's quick and easy, too).

Stack these greats into a greatER meal with this recipe for Grilled Ham Sandwiches.

Ingredients

8 (3/4-ounce) slices crusty Chicago-style Italian bread (about 1/2 inch thick), toasted
8 ounces thinly sliced lower-sodium deli ham (such as Boar's Head)
4 (1-ounce) slices reduced-sodium Muenster cheese (such as Alpine Lace)
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup mild chowchow (such as Braswell's)
Cooking spray


Directions

Layer each of 4 bread slices with 2 ounces ham, 1 slice Muenster cheese, 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1 tablespoon chowchow, and 1 bread slice.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat sandwiches with cooking spray; add to pan. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned and cheese melts. Cut sandwiches in half, if desired. Serve immediately.


***TIPS***

Chowchow is a relish-like condiment, and can be totally omitted if you can't find it. I sometimes sub it with some carmelized onions. The are great cut into little triangles and served as finger food for parties.

Recipe - Deviled Chicken

I'm always looking for recipes that are simple, with very few ingredients...but I sometimes feel that I'm replacing flavor with easy. I spend time trying to turn quick but bland recipes into something extraordinary with my spice rack. This is NOT one of those recipes. This recipe is easy on the wallet and the pantry, BUT packs a flavorful punch. Make the pieces finger friendly size and serve with dipping sauces for a great party food.

Simple meets tasty with this recipe for Deviled Chicken.

Ingredients

1 – 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into desired size
1/2 c. mayonnaise
3 T. mustard
2 c. breadcrumbs
2 t. paprika
1/2 c. butter or margarine


Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a shallow bowl, mix together mayonnaise and mustard. In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and paprika. Coat the chicken with the mayo/mustard combo, then cover with breadcrumb mixture.

Place butter or margarine in a baking pan. Put in a preheated 375 degree oven until melted. Immediately place chicken in hot pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until fully cooked. (If you’re cutting the chicken into fingers, baking time will be a little less.)

***TIPS***
Make ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Uncover and bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.

Recipe - Turkey Burgers with Spicy Marinara

Believe me, I know how stressful turkey burgers can be. Being poultry, it's extremely dangerous for these to be undercooked...but in a matter of seconds, this thing can become as dry as you great uncle's Thanksgiving jokes. The blend of dairy with bread crumbs in the burger will keep it juicy and the marinara sauce will ensure lots of flavor for you and your diners. This is especially great as sliders for get-togethers.

Please enjoy this recipe for Turkey Burgers with Spicy Marinara (you can exclude some of the spicier stuff if your children don't like it...my son is a hot and spicy fanatic).

Ingredients

2 c marinara sauce
1 package (1 1/4-ounce) chili seasoning (such as McCormick)
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, seeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground white-meat turkey
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 c bread crumbs, packaged
2 T olive oil
8 hamburger-style rolls


Directions

Make the marinara sauce: Combine 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 3 tablespoons chili seasoning, and chipotles in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes and keep warm.

Make the burgers: Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine the turkey, 2 ounces cream cheese, bread crumbs, and remaining chili seasoning and marinara sauce in a large bowl. Shape into 8 patties.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the burgers, 4 at a time, for 3 minutes on a side. Transfer to a baking pan. Place in the oven and cook for 8 more minutes. Serve each burger on a roll with 1 tablespoon cream cheese and marinara sauce.