Things I like to do with cheddar cheese

Of course you're reading...who could resist a title like that? As much as I love to cook, I just realized I've never blogged about recipes before. Today's not the day, either. Not for full-blown recipes, anyway. I will however, share two short little snacky tips.

Numero Uno would be my homemade pimento and cheese! My husband thinks I'm a domestic goddess when I whip up stuff like this. (He's really smart, so I'm inclined to believe him.) Take about a cup or so of good mayo (we prefer Hellman's for this), some chopped jalapeno peppers, a large jar of pimentos and mix them together, pimento juice and all.

TIME OUT: Do you know what a pimento actually is? I've eaten them stuffed inside olives all my life, but never ever questioned just what it was. Such a trusting soul am I. It's a heart-shaped sweet pepper. Now you know.

AND WE'RE BACK! Now, add a few fistfulls of finely shredded cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly. Let it 'marry' overnight in your fridge, then mix again and serve with Wheat Thins (our little ones call 'em "weekends"), Fritos, celery, you name it. Serve it on a gorgeous platter during the game like it was no biggie.
Then, get ready for your own Domestic Goddess crown, sister.

My second, and old-fashioned, use for shredded cheddar it to make pear salad. You read that right. I remember years ago when our office would host any kind of potluck dinner...and someone would nearly kill themselves to be first to jot 'pear salad' next to their name. "What a cop out", I thought. I couldn't roll my eyes hard enough with disgust when I'd see the list. Besides being this side of 99-cents to make a platter-full, they looked disgusting! Well, well, how the tables have turned on the young folk because now we eat the all the time. Turns out my hubby grew up eating them and loves them. Again, score for me, right?

So, y'all get out there and buy that 5lb bag of cheese at Sam's like we do and go crazy! You're welcome...I'll be here all week.

Goodbye, faux Fall!

Oh, October, how I adore you! You made no apologies as you stepped up and delivered some for-real cold air...all the way to the Gulf Coast region! Air off, windows up, power bill down, and not a moment too soon.

I'm enjoying sitting here tonight, blogging away, with the wide windows up and feeling that cold breeze brush against my arms, legs and feet. It has a distinct smell that conjures up some wonderful memories of Falls past. I met my sweetheart-turned-husband in the fall of the year, that being my all-time favorite. ♥

I've had a busy weekend and have a busy week ahead of me, but I'm smiling.
The unfolding of my dressmaking plans has my creative juices flowing and those of you who know me best know that's what makes me tick. I'm embracing everything that's coming my way right now, and believe with a full heart that it's a plan designed just for me. I feel a bit like I've stumbled onto another of life's little secrets to being happy. Love what you are where you are.

I can't wait for the first night we build a fire and get to enjoy the smells and sounds it makes. For all the modern amenities I've gotten used to, I really think I could not only handle, but enjoy living in a simple cabin in the woods. No outside distractions, just quiet so quiet that you can hear it. But, alas, you would miss my blog. And I would miss my sewing machine. How long do they make extension cords, anyway?