Dish Cafe & Ambrosia Gelato - Traverse City, MI

Before all the visitors arrived in Traverse City my Mom and I had a day to run errands, get groceries and spend some time together before the craziness began!  We took some time out from running around to have lunch in downtown Traverse City.  I had heard great things about Dish Cafe, so that's where we ended up.  They are known to have all natural ingredients in their food and specifically their great smoothies.  Smoothies would have to wait for the next visit, we both ordered soup and sandwiches this time.  First cane the tomato curry soup, which was so delicious!

For my half of sandwich I had the smoked turkey which came with tomatoes, avocado, cheese and honey mustard.  And a pickle side of course!  I really liked the lunch selection at the cafe, and will hopefully be back soon to try more of their menu and the famous smoothies.

On our way back to the car we walked by Ambrosia gelato, and it twisted our arms and we had to stop!  They had a lot of flavors and my mom ordered the cherry gelato.  While in Traverse City you have to get your fill of cherries!  

I ordered the salted caramel.  It was so tasty!  I loved the little chocolate A's they put on top of each scoop. This place was really new, when we went it they had only been open for two weeks, so make sure if you're in the area you try them out and help support new businesses in the area! 

Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich

Last week I posted this bruschetta chicken recipe, and promised an awesome recipe for the leftovers.  Keeping my promise, here it is!  Bruschetta chicken sandwich, yum! 

Essentially you follow the same recipe for the brushetta chicken, but instead of eating it kind of like salad, I shredded the chicken and made it into a sandwich.  Toast two pieces of bread with butter in a pan over medium heat, like you're making grilled cheese :)

Add lettuce.

Top with the shredded chicken.

Spread avocado on the other slice of bread.

Add the tomato mix and shred fresh Parmesan cheese on top.

Pile high and enjoy!  I love when leftovers can be altered a little to made a totally different, yet just as tasty, meal.  Enjoy!

Brie Croque Monsieur Sandwiches

If you don't know how to pronounce this post, don't worry, I had a bit of a learning curve too.  I heard it once from the movie "It's Complicated" (no judgement please.)  It's one of those movies that if it's on I can watch it over and over.  Anyway, she made it in the movie, it looked appealing, and then I forgot about it.  It wasn't until I found this recipe, then looked up on google to make sure I was saying it right, that it clicked.  For all of those that want to sound like they know what they're talking about click here to hear the correct pronunciation.  Your secret is safe with me.  For all of those who like to say it like it is, this is glorified grilled cheese with ham :)

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

I made two small sandwiches, and cut the serving size in half.  I used french whole wheat bread, but any bread will work.

I have really started to like Brie, everything I've tried it with tastes awesome.  Apples and brie?  Yes please!  I was really excited to try it in a sandwich.

Assemble your sandwiches; each sandwich has one slice of bread with a piece of ham on it, the other slice with Brie cheese.  I had small slices of bread, so I just cut in half.  If you have a normal sized piece of bread, cut into quarters.

Melt butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.  Swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.

Dip each sandwich into the egg and milk mixture, and turn to coat.  Immediately place on the preheated pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

The bread will be golden brown when done, and cheese will be melting.  Repeat with remaining sandwiches, serve hot. 

Brie wins me over again.  The crunchy bread is buttery and tastes amazing with the ham and melted brie cheese.  Perfect to eat with a cold glass of milk.  I made this quickly one a week night when I didn't want to put much effort into dinner, and it turned out great.  I need to eat something hot for dinner usually, and this hit the spot! 

Brie Croque Monsieur Sandwiches

*makes 6 sandwiches

9 oz. Brie cheese, cut into thin slices

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

6 slices thin sliced ham

12 slices white bread

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; set aside.

Assemble sandwiches, each with ham on one slice of the bread, and other slice with Brie cheese. 

Cut sandwiches into quarters.

Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, and coat the bottom of the pan with butter.

Dip the sandwich quarters into the egg mixture, turning to coat.

Immediately place in the preheated pan, and cook or 2-3 minutes on each side. 

Bread should be golden brown and Brie should be melting when done cooking.

Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Serve hot!