Grilled Cheese Bonanza!

I first have to say that I'm writing this as Daughter #1 is watching my favorite rendition of Little Women (with Winona Ryder) and Beth just died. Now, don't act like Joey on Friends--like you didn't know that was going to happen...I remember seeing this movie many years ago during a visit with my sister Kelly in Ft. Wayne when it first came out and we wept--even though we knew exactly what was going to happen. I read that book over and over as a young person and wished so much to be Jo--only I would have actually married Laurie!

OK- so onto grilled cheese. Daughter #2's birthday fell on a Friday in Lent this year. I admit, I did fix some mini corn dogs at the Birthday Girl's request, but she also asked for celery with peanut butter (which I forgot to make). We did have spinach dip (one of Daughter #1's faves), cauliflower salad with crunched up Raman noodles instead of bacon and a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches.

My vision didn't play out quite as I had hoped--I wanted to make a variety of smaller grilled cheeses so everyone could sample. When the jalapeno popper grilled cheese turned disastrous, we switched gears--thanks to Hubby-Bubs and Aunt Mary Beth who stepped in to save the day! Just a note, don't think that you can bake jalapeno poppers and then smash them into a grilled cheese sandwich (next time, I will actually slice the peppers and place them on a combo of mozzerella and cream cheese) We learn from our mistakes, don't we.

Anyhoo, (thanks again to Hubby-Bubs and Aunt Mary Beth) able to offer the following: regular mild cheddar cheese; apple slices with sharp cheddar; and caprese--mozzerella, fresh basil and tomato. All served on homemade white bread I made the night before.

All turned out well food-wise, but, more importantly, it was a lovely evening with extended family and a big hit for the birthday girl!