Hey, friends!
Good gracious, it has been a while since my last post! No, I haven’t stopped baking or developing recipes, I have just been busy. It turns out I am in what is called the “Sandwich Generation.” Squished between layers of motherhood and “daughterhood,” I am piled high with responsibilities and sizzling hot with stress more often than not. With that being said, this season of life, as challenging as it may be, is a blessing. I am the luckiest mother and daughter I know, and my husband Chris’ support has only re-confirmed the love I’ve had for him since we were teenagers.
For those of you who don’t know, my mom, “Bobbie” fell and broke her pelvis last spring. Since her fall, she has been on the road to recovery, regaining mobility, flexibility, and strength. And believe it or not, one of the most critical goals of my mom’s healing journey has been weight GAIN. Apparently weight loss is a common issue for hip/pelvic fracture patients as they are immobile during their recovery and lose significant muscle mass. This weight loss reduces energy and strength, creating a larger gap between injury and full-recovery. So what did that mean for me as her caregiver over the holiday season?
WE ATE REALLY WELL!
My holiday baking strategy was filled with no-nonsense, high-calorie comfort foods that could satisfy a range of ages and preferences, EASILY! From quick cinnamon rolls and egg casseroles, to spaghetti and crockpot lasagna, our holiday “comfort food challenge” was a success. However one of the best dishes to feed my holiday crowd was this classic (and very Southern) baked ham and cheese slider recipe. These simply sweet sandwiches combine Hawaiian rolls, ham, cheese, and a buttery poppyseed glaze that any group, regardless of age will devour.
If you too are smothered within the Sandwich Generation, maybe it is time to celebrate the fact that we can spend time with our parents and children. And during your time together, these classic ham and cheese sandwiches, while calorie-centric and nap-inducing, make and day and any season of life, feel like a celebration. A time to make memories, have fun, and in our case, heal. Let me know what y’all think!
Love,
Emily
Steamy Ham Sliders
Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 10 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Makes 1 dozen sliders
Take one bite of these unfussy ham sliders and you will see why variations of this recipe are in every community cookbook down South . A punchy Worcestershire based drizzle adds a tangy zap to stacked ham and cheese on a hot buttery roll. For a twist, try with thinly sliced roast beef or pulled pork. No matter where you are from, this recipe will make you feel like you are sitting on a front porch under the oaks in your favorite southern city.
Ingredients
12 Hawaiian-style rolls, sliced
1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced
1/2 pound sharp cheddar, sliced
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons poppyseeds
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spread the bottom half of your sliced rolls across a 9×11 baking dish and layer the ham and cheese on each roll.
- Cover with the top half of the rolls and pop in the refrigerator while preparing butter sauce.
- In a small skillet on medium heat, add butter, mustard, honey, Worcestershire, and poppyseeds.
- Slowly stir until melted together and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Carefully pour the butter sauce generously over the rolls.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until melted and golden brown.
Enjoy!
P.S. My aprons have SOLD OUT in pink and blue! I am working with my manufacturer and will keep you posted!!
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