Strawberry and Cheese Spread

Why not have crackers and a cheese spread as the main dish in the lunch box? No really, hear me out.

A Grilled Cheese Sandwich is simply bread and cheese and it works.

Crackers = Bread

Cheese Spread= Cheese slice

See?

This is inspired by a Southern Living recipe.

Strawberry and Cheese Spread

• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• a dash of salt and pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• Strawberry Jam (I used Smucker's Simply Fruit)
• Crackers (I used Kashi's Stoneground 7 grain party crackers)

Stir together cheese, mayo, onion and spices, until incorporated. Then add walnuts. Spread a thin layer of cheese spread in individual container and top with a couple of spoonfuls of strawberry jam.

Or....

If you dare, make this into a sandwich using a bagel. It may not be the prettiest, but it is mighty tasty!

Almost Famous Sandwich

I am a huge fan of Elvis (huge!) and I am certain it stems from the sweet memories of hearing my dad happily sing Elvis songs while riding in the car with him. Things just felt good and right in the world when my dad was singing Blue Suede Shoes.

Do you know what else is good and right? Elvis sandwiches. Are we all familiar with the Elvis Sandwich? Peanut butter, banana, grilled with butter? Oh so warm and deliciously naughty and completely inappropriate for the lunch box.

This sandwich isn't quite as good as the real deal (obviously) but it's almost as good as the famous Elvis Sandwich, which is why it's appropriately called Almost Famous. I've been experimenting with Banana Jam recipes and I am still searching for the perfect one. (I want one without sugar because by golly if Polaner can make a fruit spread only using fruit, why can't I?) I have successfully tried this recipe using half the sugar (and it is good!) and plan to try this recipe next.

Almost Famous Sandwich

• peanut butter
• banana jam
• sandwich bread

Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, the banana jam on the other. Join the two and enjoy!