So, I guess Betty Crocker beat me to it. (I hate when she does that!)
I was searching for something sweet in the kitchen and since I live in a healthy spa environment (so I’m told), there was nothing to be found. Until I saw a box of graham crackers crammed way in the back of the pantry.
Hmmmm ... I knew I had milk chocolate morsels as I eat those as a dessert item by the ¼ cup. So I found a ½ eaten bag (phew!) and then searched for hidden marshmallows. Found some!
This got me thinking about writing about keeping a well stocked pantry, which we’ll get to in a minute, but first the S'more Nacho recipe (that I thought I created on my own until I Googled S'more Nachos).
Well, my version goes a little like this:
Butter a stainless steel brownie-like pan. Crumble graham crackers on the bottom (stale are fine, too!). Melt butter (1/2 cube) and drizzle over the graham crackers. Pile chocolate morsels high on top of the crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Then, pile marshmallows high on top of the melted chocolate and broil for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately! No salsa or guacamole needed! Yummy gooey goodness!
Now, back to keeping a well-stocked arsenal of pantry staples, refrigerator-ready and frozen goodies. This is a must during the holidays when family and friends begin to just pop in. What I always have on hand for those unexpected (but wanted) guests includes:
- Frozen gourmet cheese puffs or mini mushroom quiche appetizers that you can easily pop in the oven in a jiffy
- Olive tapenade to be spread on toasted sourdough baguette slices
- Chips and salsa
- Jar of roasted peppers, caper berries, cornichons pickles and olives
- Spicy hummus
- Raw veggies
- Lipton onion soup mix and light sour cream. Yep, for chips and dip! So don't forget the Ruffles!
- Smoked almonds, cashews, any nuts at all
- Paté or dry saucisson/pepperoni
- A chilled bottle of Veuve (or maybe two)
You might have to run out to get several types of fresh baguettes and some French cheeses, but basically you can have an impromptu feast in minutes if you have the basics on hand. I’m happy to help you create a shopping list customized to your needs -- just ask!
Bon apétit, happy holidays and a special prayer for Arnold Laub.
P.S. Hand out some freshly made peppermint bark as your guests leave. Need the recipe? Just ask!
