Make Your Own Grilled Cheese Bar

Who says grilled cheese is just for kids? A group of our friends gathered for a New Year's Day recovery brunch complete with a Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosa Bar, and a new party idea for us; a Grilled Cheese Bar. Everyone got to make their own gourmet creations with dozens of different cheeses, meats, and toppings. We broke out a cutting board and pizza wheel so everyone could cut their sandwiches in quarters and get the opportunity to try all the different flavors. We did provide some recipes and suggestions, but most people just had fun using their imaginations to create their own grilled cheese masterpiece.

• Provide cutting boards, cheese graters, and shredders so everyone could choose how they want the cheese on their sandwiches (and to cut down on your work)

• We chose to have braised short rib meat and prime rib since we had it in the house from the holidays. We also included sliced turkey, bacon, and pepperoni. 

• Set the griddle to 350F degrees and provide spatulas so everyone can flip their own sandwiches.

• We provided everyone the following recipes for inspiration:

Short Rib Grilled Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

Margherita Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Steakhouse Grilled Cheese

Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese

BBQ Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese

BLAT Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese Party Recipe Cheat Sheet

Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese: A Pinterest Fail

Chalkboard Sign Christmas Tree

Chalkboard Sign Christmas Tree

If you are looking for a Christmas tree that makes a bold statement, add some flare with a red and white chalkboard signs. Some signs will nestle nicely in your tree's branches, but for those that need more support, add a few eye hooks from your favorite craft or hardware store. Dress it up with ornaments, ribbon, and a tree topper and you have yourself a unique, fun, and festive centerpiece for your holiday home.

Land of 10,000 Calories

Minnesota Made Pretzel M&M Skillet Cookie

What do you get the person who has everything? This year, I got my husband a cast iron pan in the shape of his home-state for his birthday. The American Skillet Company, based in Wisconsin, currently produces skillets in the shapes of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. The cast iron pans are well made, beautiful, and a unique addition to any kitchen. These are the more affordable versions of the original limited edition, made to scale, skillets of the 48 contiguous states. If you have a several hundred (or thousands if you are from a large state), the originals are a true work of art. But if you're lucky enough to be from the upper mid-west, you can purchase these smaller, mass-made pans that look good on the wall, and on the stove.

What can you cook on your state?