OMG, there's a National Grilled Cheese Month

I know.

I mean, it's not like the grilled cheese sandwich needs its own month to raise awareness, but whatever...I am only too happy to celebrate this divine foodstuff for the rest of April.  BTW, who decides these things?  Is there a National Grilled Cheese Board?

Disclaimer: if you're looking for healthy recipes featuring low-fat cheese and bread alternatives, keep looking.  It's a big internet.  I'm sure they're out there somewhere - just not here.  When it comes to grilled cheese, I'm only interested in the real deal.

Right, so what can you do to commemorate this glorious sandwich?  I propose serving the following at your next gathering, even if it doesn't take place in April.  I won't tell the National Grilled Cheese Board.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Four Ways

Classic
Bread: White, buttered on both sides of each slice. (I insist that you do this, and be sure to use softened butter)
Filling: Aged sharp cheddar.  Bacon and tomatoes (with pulp removed) optional.
Accompaniment: Tomato Soup

Nouveau
Bread: Brioche or hearty multi-grain
Filling: Brie and thinly sliced green apples
Accompaniment: Chutney

Spicy
Bread: Jalapeno
Filling: Mild cheddar, Jarlsberg.  Sliced jalapenos and peppers optional.
Accompaniment:  Berry preserves (blackberry or raspberry recommended)

Dessert (pictured at top)
Bread: Challah
Filling: Mascarpone spread
Accompaniment: Chocolate soup (see recipe in link above, or purchase from Frontier Soups)

Part 2 of 2 - Easter eggs au Natural

Part 1 - Fancy Eggs

Part 1.5 - Paper couture

And now, Part 2.  If you eschew the chemical dyes and wish to channel your inner Laura Ingalls Wilder, this post is for you.

When I was little, I used to watch my grandmother dye eggs according to the Onion Skin method, which produces eggs like those shown below.  Instructions are here.

image source

You can also create stunning red eggs, in the Greek tradition.

Lastly, Martha Stewart has (of course!) a very comprehensive guide detailing many different types of dying methods and their resulting colors.  Beets, cabbage, and coffee - oh my!

What to do with all that matzo

Passover begins tonight!  For some, that means a house that has been thoroughly cleaned in accordance with tradition (plus the very modern desire to "spring clean"), an interactive dinner that lasts for hours ("Is it time to eat yet?"), and matzo.  Lots and lots of matzo.  There are lots of suggestions out there for what to do with all that matzo, which, let's face it, can get a bit boring.  Here are a few recipes that look so good, they almost make me want to buy some extra boxes.

First, from a charming little blog called Matzo Outside the Box, we have Brie en Matzo Croûte.

Another inventive brie (not the cheese, but the method of preparing matzo) comes from Jayne Cohen's recent book, Jewish Holiday Cooking.  Her Savory Artichoke Matzoh Brie (pg 479) would be a lovely brunch offering.

From The Kitchn by Apartment Therapy comes a twist on the well-known matzo toffee.  This is Matzo Crack:

from The Kitchn

...and finish with this Kosher Champagne Cocktail from Gourmet!

Easter Eggs, Part 1.5 of 2 - "Ouef Couture"

Today I was going to write about natural methods of dying eggs, but I then I found this and just had to share it with you.  The delightful Jeff Rudell has designed Ouef Couture... fabulous paper dressings for the hip, cutting-edge egg.  Such an inventive alternative to the dyed egg!  Follow the link for how-to instructions on several designs.

Ouef Couture at CraftStylish.com

Stylish Seder Plates

We celebrate multiple holidays here at the House of SCS, and while that sometimes means extra work, usually it results in extra enjoyment.  Like the upcoming Easter/Passover period.  I honestly don't remember where we got our Seder plate, but I do seem to recall that it was one of those last minute "OMGwerememberedeverythingbutthesederplatehurrygobuyone!!" moments.  It's fine.  It serves its purpose, but it won't be winning any design awards, um...ever.  These offerings from the Jewish Museum shop, however, make me think it's time for an upgrade.  They have many, many types in their inventory, and it's easy to find one that fits your style.

Contemporary: Scroll Plate by Liz Ross

Floral: Garden Plate

Artistic: Seven Species Wood Plate

Natural: Teak Plate