Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away.
I repeat: Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away.
I’ve already been bookmarking recipes, taking notes and discussing cooking logistics with my mom and I am pretty pumped about some new additions we’ll be adding this year.
But after this weekend, I’m almost looking more forward to — the leftovers.
Why?
Because I plan on re-creating this:
What you see artfully constructed here is what MELT is calling the Turkey Bomb. Two thick slices of buttered bread stuffed with turkey, stuffing, butternut squash puree and muenster cheese. Served with sweet cranberry dipping sauce.
To say this was amazing is an understatement. To be honest, I don’t think I looked at or talked to anyone at my table for roughly 8-15 minutes — the amount of time it took me to eat this sandwich.
And you better believe I ate the whole thing. Didn’t have room for the veggies, though. You know, cuz I didn’t want to overeat! 
What Thanksgiving leftovers are you most looking forward to? I know A LOT of people love making similar creations — recall Ross’ moist-maker?
p.s. Have you entered the $100 Shopbop giftcard giveaway?
Good morning, friends!
I’m in a great mood this morning – mostly because I was thinkin’ up my Thankful Thursday list during my drive into work. This small little act always puts a huge smile on my face and starts my day off on the right foot. I know I say it every week, but seriously consider joining me in the exercise this morning – you’ll be happy you did.
This week, I am thankful for:
My snoogle – best $60 I’ve ever spent. I can finally sleep again and last I heard, sleep was a good thing
Civil Twilight (and Crash Kings, as well as Anberlin) – listen to Trouble, I’m pretty much obsessed
Love Actually, and the fact that I find new things I love about the movie every.single.time. It’s one of the me and the Mister’s favorites and we always watch it to get into the holiday spirit
All the incredible recipes I’m finding from magazines featuring Thanksgiving dishes
That IAN comes to visit this weekend! We have plans to go to MELT – this could get dangerous
My girl date with Jenn and Molly on Saturday
The Mariah Carey new XMAS CD – I cannot WAIT to listen to it!
Bread and butter – ’nuff said
Scented candles – let’s just say the dead squirrel carcass that made it’s way into our outdoor trash can was beginning to make it’s way into my nostrils from the INSIDE of the house, as well. And on that note…
That today is trash pick-up day
YOUR TURN! What are you thankful for today?
Confession Obvious statement: I love cheese
OK, that’s an understatement. I ADORE cheese. I CRAVE cheese. I DREAM in cheese. You get the point. Me and cheese are pretty tight.
For all you other cheese lovers out there, what if I told you I had a brilliant idea? A restaurant where the focus was: cheese. Gouda, cheddar, provolone, blue, you name it, it’s on the menu! Then what if I told you that the featured dish would be a GRILLED CHEESE sandwich — 20 different ways. Grilled cheese and veggies? DONE! Grilled cheese, onions and pierogies? DUH! Grilled cheese with bacon and fried egg? PLEASE! The list goes on…
You’d probably be pretty stoked, huh?
Too bad someone else already thought of it.
MELT.
Lucky for me a NEW location just opened up in my neighborhood (the original is on the West Side).
Melt in numbers:
5: people in our party (me, the Mister, mom, dad, bro)
90: minutes we were told the wait was
3: times we fed the parking meeter
6: times I nagged my mom to ask how much time was left before we got to sit down
1: times she actually asked
115: minutes we actually waited
3: times the Christmas Story played (the run it on a loop in the TVs)
20: plastic lawn ornaments I counted (before I lost track)
24: Grilled cheese sandwiches to choose from
12: times my stomach growled
3: Sandwiches really I wanted
60: minutes we waited for our sandwiches
3: times I tried to convince my family it’d be worth it
8: iced tea refills
5: happy tummies
Was it worth it? For me, yes. While the wait was really annoying, it gave me time to catch up with my family and spend quality time together with minimal distractions (other than my growling stomach). The food was, as expected, delicious.
I ordered the Grilled Peanut Butter, Banana and Cream Cheese Sandwich.
Dear Melt, next time, don’t skimp on the peanut butter, OK? After waiting for a few hours, I think I deserve more than a tablespoon. Otherwise, delish.
The Mister ordered the West Side Monte Cristo, which included honey ham, smoked turkey, swiss, american, beer battered and mixed berry preserves
He compared it to an orgasm. I had a bite and tend to agree. TMI? It’s OK we’re all friends.
My brother ordered The Big Popper, which had fresh jalapeno peppers, cheddar & herbed cream cheese, beer battered and mixed berry preserves.
I can’t remember what my dad ordered. And I didn’t dare get within his personal space to investigate — I know better than to mess with a hungry man
My mom was a whimp and ordered a salad. Don’t bother, I already made fun of her.
Which sandwich would you have chosen or what would make up your perfect grilled cheese sandwich?