Hawiian Roll Sliders Two Ways

Are you a slider fan?  I have to admit, I am.  I love a small sandwich.  It means I can eat more, right?  Today I'm sharing two of my favorite slider recipes, both made with my favorite Hawiian rolls, in honor of my girls returning from their trip to Maui with their grand parents this week.  First up is a yummy french dip version, followed by a ham and swiss.  So. So. Good.  Be sure to let me know which one you like best!

French Dip Slider

Ingredients:

1 pkg of hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
thinly sliced deli roast beef
6 slices of provolone cheese
1 sweet onion thinly sliced
6 tbs of butter divided
1 tbs ppoppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions:
Sautee thinly sliced onion in 2 tbs of butter over medium heat until caramelized. This takes about 10 minutes, but while they are cooking you can start prepping the bread and other ingredients.

Remove the rolls from the package and slice completely in half with a serrated knife while still stuck together.  You should have one half with bottoms and one half with tops.  Place bottom half of rolls in a buttered or sprayed baking dish. Add a layer of thinly sliced roast beef and a layer of cheese. When the onions are done spread them over the layer of cheese and top with another layer of roast beef. Place the top half of rolls.  In an oven safe bowl melt 4tbs of butter for 30 seconds, then add worcestershire sauce and seasonings and stir well. Pour butter sauce over the top of the rolls and then cover with aluminum foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes uncovered.

Ham and Swiss Slider

Ingredients:

1 pkg of hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
leftover ham thinly sliced (or thin sliced deli ham)
6 slices of swiss cheese
1/2 stick of butter, melted
1 tbs ppoppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions:

Remove the rolls from the package and slice completely in half with a serrated knife while still stuck together.  You should have one half with bottoms and one half with tops.  Add a layer of thinly sliced ham and a layer of cheese then top with another layer of ham.  Place the top on the rolls.  In an oven safe bowl melt butter for 30 seconds, then add worcestershire sauce and seasonings and stir well. Place the rolls in a baking dish lined with foil. Pour butter sauce over the top of the rolls and then cover with another piece of foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes uncovered.

Keeping Warm & Turkey Chili

It has been cold here in Northern California.  I laugh as I type this, knowing very well that cold for us is a high of 58 during the day and low 40's at night, but still, for us, it's down right chilly.  For many of you across the country, temps are below freezing!  I have really never experienced this type of weather, but I imagine a nice warm meal must be something you crave when the weather is like this. So, today I'm sharing an oldie, but goodie here on the blog.  My Turkey Chili recipe. 









Ingredients:
1 lb of lean ground turkey
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
1 can of kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
1 pkg of taco seasoning (I like Trader Joe's brand)
1 pkg of ranch seasoning mix
olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Suggested garnish toppings:
sour cream
cilantro
tortilla chips
cheddar cheese

Directions:

You can make this chili two ways, throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on medium all day, or if you get home from work and need to make something relatively quickly, the directions below will work just as well.

Brown turkey in a heavy bottom pot (such as a dutch oven) over medium heat with a little olive oil in the pan. Once the turkey begins to brown add the onions and garlic. Cook until the turkey is nearly cooked though, then add the taco seasoning and mix well. Add the tomatoes, beans and ranch seasoning. Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve in large bowls and garnish with your choice of suggested toppings.

Whether you choose the slow cooker method or the stove top method, I promise this will warm you right up and is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day!

Side of Brussels? Yes, Please!

Did I lose you already?  I hope not.  It's true, I'm one of those people who loves brussels sprouts.  But, only when they are cooked right.  Do not boil or steam them, friends!  They stick and are watery and mushy and just gross!

Here's how to cook them so they are delicious!

Did ya get all that?  No, well let me summarize it really quick.  Cut your clean brussels in half length wise.  Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a cast iron pan and place the cut side down until the entire pan is covered.  Sprinkle with a little more olive oil, a little granulated garlic and some salt and pepper.  Heat the pan on medium high heat until they begin to brown, then transfer to a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  When you pull them out drizzle a little balsamic glaze or reduction over them and enjoy!

I promise, you'll never be disappointed in your brussels again!

Letter From A Stay At Home Mom

It's been a while since I've published a new blog post.  Between mommin' three kids, serving on the PTC board, running a house hold and occasionally showering (that's a joke!) I've barely had time to sit, let alone write.  These days I find the quick snap of a picture and a small caption on Instagram (@lilyseclaires) to be much more doable than a full blog post, but I really had something to say today, and I didn't want to edit it down to four lines...

So, here goes-

Dear Working Mom,

I do not judge you for working and being a mother.  I support your choice.  Actually, you may not even have a choice, it may just be a necessity.  But, I support you.  I'm happy for you.  But, when you think of me, and what I do, can I just say a few little things?

Please, don't assume that me staying home means that I sit on my sofa all day and watch HGTV and Food Network.  I would love to do that, really, but in actuality, I haven't turned on the tv during the day one time this entire school year for myself.  The only daytime tv that happens here is Daniel Tiger. 

I may not get a paycheck, but my job is still important.  In fact, the things I am able to do by not working outside the home actually help your child quite a bit.  The choir classes that your kids attends twice a week happen because I'm able to help with the fundraising.  The Fall Family Festival, that you all attended in October that was so fun?  That happened because several stay at home moms worked their rear ends off to make it happen.  The book fair that you shopped at?  The field trip that was so fun?  The dance a thon?  None of that would be possible without people like us.

Remember that day grandma forgot to pick your son up from school?  I was there and texted you that he was with me and everything was fine.  When you had to go in early and needed some helping getting him to school on time?  Yep, I got this, no problem!

In actuality, my day is spent cleaning, prepping food for my little people, doing laundry, volunteering my time at school...  Twice a week my daughter has in home therapy for developmental delays.  With three kids there is hardly a week that goes by that we don't have a visit to the pediatrician's office. 

I'm not asking for a thank you or even any recognition.  But please, may I just ask, could you not say "I'd kill myself if I had to be a stay at home mom."  or "I could never do that, I'd be so bored."

I assure you, I am in no way bored. 

Again, I don't judge you.  All I'm asking is that you show me the same kindness.


Signed,

A Stay At Home Mom