Skillet Grilled Cheese w/ Arugula and Leftover Ham

Call me 'the Leftover Queen' because the crown fits. I hate (and especially since getting control of my finances -- see here) throwing away good food. Following a weekend at my dad's house where ham was served (and extra's were bagged for Natalie) I thought to myself how I could make it work into my week in a non-leftover way (seriously, where's the fun in just heating it up?) So, alas, an old classic turned chic. With the mellow spiciness of the arugula and the all-too familiar kraft cheese (but fat-free this time) I made this sandwich that knocked my socks off. And for cheap. Hurrah.

Servings: 1

What You'll Need:

• 2 slices white bread
• Even Better Option: 35-calorie-a-slice Nature's Own Wheat Bread (it doesn't taste low calorie -- win!)
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 slices Kraft cheese (fat-free if you can swing it)
• 2 thick slices of ham
•  "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter" Spray (if you don't have this, you can use butter-flavored cooking spray, or just regular cooking spray)
• Regular Cooking Spray for frying pan

The Step-By-Step:

1.  Layer a cheese slice, the ham, the arugula, and another cheese slice in between the two slices of bread.
2. Spray the pan with 
3. Spray the top of the top slice with butter spray.
4. Flip the sandwich onto the pan, so you're placing it sprayed-side down.
5. Let cook for 2 minutes, and then spray the top side with spray butter.
6. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Serve.

here's to unboring.

xoxo n

Crostini's w/ Radishes & Melted Brie

One of the best things about spring and summer is the wave of fresh LOCAL produce -- after all, winter is not a very good time for growth, is it? Go into any grocery store now and you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables from your own region -- sometimes even a farm down the road! One of these that doesn't get much shine is the radish -- a beautiful, slice-able, cube-able, (whatever you can think of -- its versatile) slightly nutty vegetable that screams springtime. Add it to salads, sear it with some garlic, the possibilities are endless!

I found the inspiration for this recipe in an old scrapbook of mine with magazine cut-outs. This same scrapbook (and love of recipes) is one of the things that inspired me to walk out on a limb and start a blog! I hope you enjoy these yummy hor d'oeuvres (appetizers for the fancy in you), perfect for your next cookout :)

Servings: 12

What You'll Need:

• 1 baguette, sliced diagonally
• Even Better Choice: Crostini Slices (you can get these from a place like Trader Joe's in the entertaining section)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 radishes, sliced thin
• Brie Cheese
• Don't be non-cheddarcheese-scared, brie is a mild, creamy cheese that spreads when at room temperature!
• Salt/Pepper
• OPTIONAL: 1 lemon

The Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Arrange bread slices onto a flat oven pan, and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
3. In the meantime, toss the arugula with 1 tbsp of the olive oil and a dash of salt & pepper in a small bowl.
4. Take out the bread, and while still hot, spread brie cheese on each slice.
5. Top with arugula.
6. In another small bowl, toss radish slices with the other 1tbsp of olive oil and a dash of salt & pepper.
7. OPTIONAL: If you have a lemon, rub it against a grater to get some fine shavings of its peel. This is called lemon zest and adds a remarkable citrus flavor to many dishes (even some of the baked goods you love!)

This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser -- I'm all for recipes that make you look like a chef with practically no-effort. Who's with me?

xoxo n