Scalloped potatoes and ham always reminds me of my grandma. Although she doesn’t make it anymore, my mom and I made sure to learn the recipe; however, we adapted it by using Jarlsberg and gouda cheese, instead of my grandma’s favorite, Velveeta. :-) This hearty, comforting casserole is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast tomorrow (maybe minus the ham)!
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I almost can’t put into words how incredible this sandwich tastes. Its complexity of flavors is ridiculous, from the sweetness of the honey ham to the bite of the Jarlsberg cheese to the savoriness of the pesto aioli. The crispy, tomato basil bread from Panera makes the sandwich even more delicious, if that’s possible.
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By Sue
My mom, Sue, is behind multiple recipes posted on my blog, but for some reason, I haven’t featured her on here yet. I find this really odd, particularly because she taught me everything I know today in regards to cooking and baking.
While visiting home last weekend, she made her version of my grandma’s renowned scalloped potatoes and ham. She altered the recipe a bit, but it still has the rich, hearty flavor with melt-in-your-mouth gooey cheese.
This meal will always hold a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandma, Doris/Mickey/Maxine–oh, just call her grandma/grammie/grams. I have fond memories of her making this dinner for my family when we lived in Ohio. Fifteen years later, we still ask that she make it every time she visits us in California. At 82-years-old, the woman can still make some mean scalloped potatoes and ham!
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Although this ham and bean soup recipe has been in my family for years, I’ve never made it before – I’ve always left that part up to my mom or grandma. While visiting home, my mom pulled a gorgeous honey baked ham out of the fridge. Almost immediately, I decided that I wanted to make use of the ham bone, and what better way to do that than make this extremely simple, yet hearty, healthy and delicious soup. I would even call it a stoop.
I’m always tricked into thinking this soup is unhealthy, because of its thickness and heartiness; however, there’s not one ingredient in this recipe that’s unhealthy – beans, ham carrots, onions.
Even though this isn’t the ideal summer dish, it’s made for the perfect meal this week with the start of California’s June gloom.
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Thank you so much to Natalie at Cook Eat Live Vegetarian for passing a Versatile Blogger award onto me. Please go check out her blog–both her story and cooking are truly inspirational.
Award rules: Thank the person who awarded you by linking back to their post, list 7 things about yourself and pass the award on to 15 other new or newly discovered blogs.
Newly discovered blogs:
- Sweet Pea’s Kitchen: I thought I was the baking queen, but that all changed when I discovered Christina’s blog. Considering my huge sweet tooth, I frequent her blog often just to drool over her delicious desserts.
- In Good Taste: I can definitely relate to Maris’ blog focus of young professionals taking the time to cook simple, homemade meals. Although, I can’t say I’ve created recipes for established companies such as Panera Bread and Starbucks, like she has!
- Grilled Cheese Social: If you enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches in the slightest bit, you will absolutely love MacKenzie’s blog. She’s always creating inventive sandwiches, oozing with heaping amounts of cheese, of course.
- Bittersweet: Hannah is an inspiration for all vegan chefs or bakers. Her presentation and photography is exquisite and her food always looks scrumptious.
- YumYumYummers: Mich makes such colorful and unique food. She uses a variety of ingredients and spices, making every dish different and delicious.
- Sinfully Spicy: Tanvi is not afraid to experiment with lots of spice in her ethnic cooking. Her food always looks absolutely delicious.
- The Hungry Birdie: Robin is absolutely adorable and a great cook. Her photography is spectacular.
- Savoring Every Bite: There’s no doubt that Linda’s creative and colorful dishes will make your mouth water.
- Two Tarts: A blog with fantastic presentation, photos and recipes. Dulcie and Sarah make everything from scratch–most memorably homemade mascarpone, which they paired with fresh strawberries.
- TasteFood: I love Lynda’s colorful, inventive and unique recipes. My stomach is always growling after looking at her gorgeous photos.
- Chef in Disguise: Sawsan posts great recipes with delicious flavor combinations. Her apple and cinnamon streusel pizza is by far one of my favorites. Really, how can you go wrong with dessert and pizza in one?
- Love and Olive Oil: I love this blog’s motto: cook to live, eat to love. Lindsay and Taylor are both so creative with their recipes and photography.
- Anne’s Food: Anne’s recipes are always fresh and delicious. She often posts photos of her children, who I have to add, are absolutely adorable.
7 facts:
- I was born in Columbus, OH and am a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan. For any football or basketball game, I can guarantee you’ll see me clad in my OSU jersey, temporary face tattoos, buckeye necklace, etc.
- A few foods I really dislike: dark chocolate, fennel, cucumber and olives.
- I’m a neat freak and a perfectionist, especially when it comes to food photography.
- I’m a major Gleek, and I’m not embarrassed to say it. It’s one of my favorite shows and I’m actually going to see Glee Live in a couple of weeks with my mom–I can’t wait. A few of my other favorite shows include Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, SYTYCD, 30 Rock and The Office.
- Growing up with an English teacher as a mother, I became accustomed to her constantly correcting my grammar. I ended up following in her footsteps and graduated with a BA in English. I often find myself mimicking my mom and correcting my friends’ spelling and grammar (woops).
- I have a very eclectic taste in music–I love almost all genres, from indie to pop to country to rap. Current bands on repeat on my iPod: Angus & Julia Stone, The Civil Wars, The Naked and Famous, Fleet Foxes and Cold War Kids.
- I have a Golden Retriever at home named Chloe, and I am slightly obsessed with her. She’s 11 years old, is a carb whore (she loves bread) and I’m pretty positive she has separation anxiety. But, she’s adorable, right?
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