Did you know Monday was Cheese Lover’s Day?
Yeah me neither. Otherwise I would have been all over that.
Lucky for me I ate a lot of cheese on Monday, so while I didn’t actually know about it, I was celebrating in style. Doing my bit, contributing in some small way, if you will.
Speaking of contributions, I’m joining Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday link up today because what better way to share my cheesy goodness with all you. Spread the love so to speak…spread it…get it? Oh brother, they can’t all be winners.
Alright before I get to the cheese, I need to warn you. In sticking with my New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve decided to make today’s post short and sweet, minus the sweet part. Stop laughing. Hey, stop it…I can still hear you giggling. You sound like a little school girl too. Humph. Besides, I can totally do this, which means I need to stop talking (or really typing) and get to the cheese already.
Breakfast, eaten around lunch time, was Arman’s Sweet Potato Cheddar Pancakes. These are savory pancakes packed with grated cauliflower, finely diced sweet potato, chopped spinach, and of course, the star of the show, cheddar cheese. I topped mine with a dollop of sour cream, some green onions, fresh cilantro and hot sauce.
These were my first savory pancakes, and since they contained a boatload of veggies along my beloved cheese, it’s safe to say I’m a fan.
These were also quite filling, and it might be because I happened to snag another pancake or two from the Hubby’s plate, which was absolutely lacking the presentation seen above. He just throws everything on the plate and goes to town. Men.
Lunch, eaten mid-day, was a simple smoothie. This is a recycled picture, but the ingredients were the same. What it lacks in cheese, it more than makes up for in fruit, my other great love.
My final meal of the day was homemade Macaroni and Cheese, made with Habanero, Cheddar and Havarti. I stuffed it with broccoli, grated cauliflower and topped the entire thing with green onions and red pepper flakes.
Two bowls or about half this serving dish was enough to satisfy my cheese craving. Plus, I got my veggies in too.
Simply put, I love cheese. I also think my bestie (yes, I’m calling it my bestie) gets a bad rap in the healthy living blog world. Sure it’s high in calories and fat, there’s no denying that, but it’s also chock full of protein, calcium, vitamins A, B12, and zinc to name a few. So unless you’re lactose intolerant, there are some health benefits to popping a slice or two (perhaps not twelve) of cheese from time to time, which is more than I can say for most froyo toppings or that grab bag of candy my orthodontist gave me. I’m still flabbergasted.
Bottom line: eat your cheese responsibly.
This post is also linked with She Eats Fresh Food Wednesday because my cheese is locally and ethically sourced, and it also happens to be grass fed. Plus, I know Kristy likes her cheese.
What’s your favorite cheese on sandwiches? In Mac and Cheese? On a salad? Or to eat straight up? Do you even eat cheese? What’s your thoughts on the short and sweetless post?
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
I love cheese so so so much. And just for the record, cheese is MY bestie. I don’t want to get all territorial, but I just thought you should know. I had no idea it was Cheese Lover’s Day on Monday, but I definitely got my cheese fill anyway, so go us. That mac & cheese looks fantastic. I wanna dig in.
Meghan says
We may have to talk about this cheese business. We’ve been besties for as far back as I can remember. I used to go to the grocery store with my mom when I was a little girl, and I would head straight for the deli section and ask the gentleman working for a slice of “cheese, please.” He always gave me a piece too, for free. See, our relationship has been going forever and has stood the test of time. I would be willing to share though.
Laura@fitfreshnfunny says
Cheese. All of the cheeseeeee. We love a good Port Salut, English Cheddar, and my husband loves brie more than he loves me. We didn’t officially celebrate either, but I think ironically Monday was the day I started the string cheese debate on Facebook. I string mine as nature intended but my husband is a brutal savage and just bites the stick. Who’s to say which method is right? I am. String that stuff, it’s only right!
Meghan says
That’s right. You need to string your cheese; any other option is totally unacceptable. I’m afraid if he keeps it up, we need to ban your savage of a husband from partaking in string cheese, at least until he can be counted on to do the right way 😉
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Everything you ate looks fantastic. I love mac and cheese with havarti, its one of my favorite cheeses. Yum. But to eat cheese straight up I love extra sharp cheddar.
Meghan says
I’m with you; Havarti is wonderful in Mac & Cheese because it melts so well. Kudos on the Extra Sharp Cheddar; it’s also one of my favorites. I dare say, you’ve got good taste. 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I’m not really a cheese person. I don’t know why. It’s not the whole “I say I don’t like mayo or butter because they are high calorie and high fat and I Jedi-mind-tricked myself into believing I don’t like them when really I do and now I have accepted and embraced it” kind of disordered thing. I just don’t crave cheese. Unless it is pimiento cheese. But that’s mostly mayo…so there you go.
Meghan says
You said the same thing about alcohol too. Have you ever wrapped Brie in pastry dough with some raspberry jam and finely diced fresh rosemary and then baked it for a few minutes? I bet that would sway you.
Although at least, no Jedi-mind tricks were involved.
Jen@Twenty-Something&Starving says
Oh goodness – I certainly made up for my lack of cheese on Monday yesterday with my cheese snacking and mac & cheesing. Your mac & cheese looks amazing! My husband doesn’t care for mac & cheese that has anything in it except for noodles and cheese. It’s so bizarre watching his family make their mac & cheese – they literally just pour boiled noodles and cubes of cheddar into a pan and bake it. They take it out like 5 times to stir it to melt the cheese. I’m lucky he tolerates that I usually add a few cloves of garlic and a little butter to mine, too. My favoooorite mac & cheese is one that I make with cheddar, fontina, gruyere, parmesan, and cream cheese with pancetta. It’s ridiculous. Gosh I love cheese. How can I pick a favorite? Snackablity wise…I’m going to have to say pepperjack! Or fresh mozzarella…decisions, decisions!
Meghan says
Cubes of cheddar and boiled noodles…egads! That’s not Mac & Cheese. That’s noodles with cheese cubes. I usually make a roux with butter and flour and then turn that into a cheese sauce with whatever bits and bobs of cheese I have remaining in my crispy drawer. Sometimes I stuff it with veggies, sometimes I top it with crushed nuts. Sometimes I add lots of heat. Basically, every time is an adventure; a wonderful, delicious and cheesy adventure.
I love you mix of Mac & Cheese cheeses, and the saltiness of the pancetta would go perfectly.
Elizabeth says
I love cheddar on sandwiches, feta on salad and Gouda in Mac and cheese, not that I would turn down any cheese really…. 🙂
Meghan says
Feta is wonderful is salads, although you could throw a blue in there and call me happy too.
Julie says
That’s the best savory pancake I’ve ever seen – reminds me of Taiwanese scallion pancakes (look it up!). I think the green onions in both meals make them so appealing.
Meghan says
You know I still have some green onions left over and these Taiwanese scallion pancakes are looking mighty appetizing. Just sayin’.
Thanks for the tip. They look fabulous.
Courtney @RunningforCupcakes says
Oh my goodness those sweet potato pancakes and the macaroni and cheese both look heavenly! I love all cheese, but my favorite cheese to eat straight up has always been Colby-Jack
Meghan says
Colby Jack is a good one; a nice subtle mix of flavors.
Tara Newman says
The macaroni and cheese looks amazing! I love cheese too but cheese doesn’t love me 🙁 It’s like an unrequited love affair. My favorites are extra sharp cheddars and goat cheese. Stopping by from WIAW.
Meghan says
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. I think I would be heart broken if I couldn’t eat cheese, although I have friends who are lactose intolerant so cheese isn’t an option for them either.
Kaitlin says
I try to keep my posts short and sweet but then find myself rambling. Ah well. Anyways I LOVE cheese! I actually love it when it’s been melted in baked brie with pie crust or just oozing off a burger in the skillet. Maybe the browned top of mac and cheese is my favorite. Too darn delicious!
Meghan says
You would love these Cheese Crisp Crackers they sell at my grocery store then. They are made 100% from cheese and they are the crispy brown bits you get when you bake cheese. So much cheesy deliciousness.
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Eat your cheese responsibly. 🙂 I love that!! And DANG those pancakes look good. I’m going to have to take another look at Arman’s post now.
Meghan says
Yes, it’s all about eating the right foods in the right portions. Be responsible with your cheese consumption; same goes for everything else: chocolate, wine, chips, etc.
You should check out the Savory Pancakes; they’re veggie packed and delicious.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
I can’t even tell which one I want to cram in my face more, the mac n cheese or the savory cakes!
Meghan says
Both. Trust me on this; you want both.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
That mac and cheese… I can’t even handle it. Do you know that I can count on more than TWO HANDS the number of days that have gone by since I’ve had mac and cheese? Criminal. I need to change that… And you get so fancy with your mac and cheese… sometimes the lazy monster kicks in and all I want is buttered noodles with tonnes of parmesan 😆 What can I say? I’m a simple soul.
Meghan says
That is criminal. You need to rectify it stat; perhaps while at the Magic Kingdom you can get a lovely bowl of Mac & Cheese.
I’m a fan of a simple bowl of butter noodles, maybe even with some Parmesan, but I can’t in good conscience call that Mac & Cheese. It’s good, but it’s not the same thing. 🙂
Sarah Pie says
Eat all the cheeses!!!!!! This looks like a delicious day of eats featuring one of my favorite food groups (and I know you know about cheese as a food group). Pepper jack makes great grilled cheese sandwiches but Parmesan cheese is my favorite on just about anything!
Meghan says
I don’t think I’ve ever had Pepper Jack on a grilled cheese. I need to fix that pronto. Great idea!
Eating 4 Balance says
Okay, so first you questions. What’s your favorite cheese on sandwiches? Though I haven’t had it in forever, American Cheese on a hamburger or in a grilled cheese sandwich. Although I’d prefer both sans cheese (yes, I realize that in one case that would just leave me with toast). In Mac and Cheese? Yes! On a salad? No. Never in a thousand years. Whenever I would try to get a salad at Wendy’s or McDonald’s or even our local drive-in they would never make me one without cheese… And blue cheese? It just ruins the taste of the whole dang thing. Or to eat straight up? Definitely not. Do you even eat cheese? No. What’s your thoughts on the short and sweetless post? Like I said before, I love your posts no matter what. I think I liked the shorter introduction and more information in between the food photos.
Great first picture of those plates pancakes. I asked my parents if they would let me experiment on them with a savory pancake recipe and they were downright hesitant. I mean, when have I ever given them reason to doubt? 😉
Other than for those who can’t have dairy, I think cheese is good for you! Calcium, protein, etc. Well, as long as it’s not the aforementioned Velveeta or American where the added ingredients definitely outweigh the benefits of the good.
Eating 4 Balance says
I think you/your is the #1 slip up I make with comments. I need to get back to proofreading before posting.
Meghan says
Velveeta isn’t even cheese. At least I wouldn’t classify it as such.
I know you can’t eat cheese, although I wish you could experience, especially in a salad. It adds a needed does of protein and yummy fats….so good, even the blue. I love to pair blue cheese with nuts, fruit and something sweet like honey. It’s amazing.
Thanks for the info on the post length. I appreciate the feedback, and I’m glad you enjoyed the shorter intro. I’ll have to do more of them..or try to anyway. 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
So much cheesy goodness here I don’t know where to begin….well I do!
Thanks so much for trying out the recipe- glad it was a success! Now that mac and cheese with cauliflower….yum!!!!
Favourite cheese in sandwich- extra tasty! With pasta- a blend because mozzarella by itself is not too flavourful! By itself? Any. Any full fat cheese.
Meghan says
Hallelujah to the full fat cheese. Anything less isn’t cheese or as you said…”tastes likes lies.” Ha!
Amanda @ fridaylovesong says
Holy shiznit that mac n cheese looks amazing!! The grated cauliflower thing is genius. I need to try that one on my kids 😉
Meghan says
Yep, you wouldn’t even know cauliflower was in there. I mixed it in with my cooked pasta and cheese sauce right before I baked it.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
I MISSED Cheese Lover’s Day?! Waaaaaaaaaahy?! Seriously, I can’t imagine my life without it…eggs just wouldn’t be the same, salads and sandwiches…total snoozefest, and well, snack plates might as well just fall off the face of the planet! I want you to know, lady, that I am totally oogling over that bowl of mac and cheese! I’m pretty sure that if anyone would be capable of changing my mind when it comes to pasta, it would be you…with the magical goodness that lies within your “cheese drawer”. I’m mighty proud of you and your photog dedication! Ya did good, kid! Ya did good! Hmm, is that the TJ Maxx plate I spy? 😉
Favorite cheese on sandwiches: SHARRRRRRP cheddar…oh, or muenster…I always forget about that one!
In Mac and Cheese: I had one once with fontina that was pretty fabulous!
On a salad: Blue baby, BLUE…or goat…that’s a toughie!
Or to eat straight up: Gouda!
Congrats on the short and sweet post, woman! I didn’t think you had it in ya! 😉
Meghan says
The square plate is indeed the one we picked up that day at Marshall’s. Good eye my friend.
You’re not alone; I didn’t think I had the shorter posts in my either. Guess I’ll keep plugging away while chanting less is more, less is more, less is more. Oh am I still typing? Oops.
Kristy @ She Eats says
Fuck yes I do!!!! MORE CHEESE.
So this really grinds my gears – the “healthy” cheese thing. I know there’s fat in cheese but is it HEALTHIER to get scary low-fat or non-fat or diet pseduo-cheeses??? To pump your body full of the scary ass shit that comes with “healthy” foods…?? If they take the fat out, they have to replace it with something. But WHAT?!
I say healthy = real food. Real cheese. and lots of it. In fact, I made a big ass mac and cheese last night for dinner and it was bloody good. I say, eat more cheese!! Or at the very least, stop talking about “healthy”. Not you of course, but people in general.
Sorry. I’m ranting. Your week’s meals look great and delicious and your photography is kicking some serious ass, my friend. You’re amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing your post with us at Fresh Foods Wednesday! I hope you’ll be back this week with more fresh food posts 🙂 xo, kristy
Meghan says
I like your rants so feel free to rant away anytime, anywhere, or at least here.
I don’t know what low fat cheese is, nor do I ever want to find out. Arman told me it tasted like “lies,” and I find that description very fitting.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Sharp cheddar is my favorite cheese–and my second favorite is whatever has a Magical Markdown sticker at the fancy cheese counter. And my third favorite is the cheapest fontina I can find (curse you, Costco, for teasing me once with a giant block of fontina and then never again).
My favorite cheese to say out loud? Wensleydale. (Watch some Wallace and Grommit–“The Edam is Stranded” snort)
Meghan says
You can’t go wrong with a good sharp cheddar. I’ve been digging the Cabot’s Seriosuly Sharp over at Costco. The fact that it comes in brick size is of course another plus.
I do enjoy some Wallace and Grommit. Very funny chaps, indeed.