Peanut Butter Cream Pie - For Mikey

This morning, I read about "Peanut Butter Pie Friday" and it broke my heart.  After crying for a bit, I decided that I needed to participate.  Two years ago, my husband woke up unable to walk, having suffered a stroke during the night, and it was one of the most terrifying events in my life.  I was so scared I would lose him, and I still am, though he has healed completely, and is well medicated and closely watched now.  My heart goes out to Jennie of "In Jennie's Kitchen," and her family, and though I don't know her and had never visited her food blog before today, I wanted to add to Mikey's memory, for my Mike.  So here is my version of Mikey's favorite Creamy Peanut Butter Pie. The loss of a loved one is a great fear of so many, but we must also remember that we need to live, as fully as we can, every day.

Old Fashioned Fudge

Fudge is so very delicious but so expensive when other people make it for you, which seems silly when one understands how easy it is.  Of course, there is the chance of burns and the fear of not getting the temperature just right, but, with how cheap the ingredients are, you can always start again, or enjoy some chocolate caramels. This recipe is an old-fashioned fudge.  Simple, salty, sweet and delicious. If you want to add nuts or  marshmallows, or anything else to it, go for it... just add it towards the end of the last stirring stage.

Cream Cheese Cutout Cookies

This is a delicious slightly tangy cookie.  It is not too sweet and stands up to decorating well.  Make sure the dough is still chilled before you put them in the oven or they tend to spread and make you shapes look a little mutated. Great with Royal Icing!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Since I no longer eat hamburgers on rolls, I make a big deal about dressing them up. During the summer, my husband loves to grill and loves to grow a garden full of herbs and veggies.  That gives me a great opportunity to make a southern favorite, Fried Green Tomatoes.  While I pretty much abhor fully ripened tomatoes, unless they are finely pureed in a sauce, green tomatoes have a wonderful tangy taste and a firm texture that I really enjoy.
Here, the fried green tomatoes are paired with thick cut bacon, a cheddar cheese sauce, and homemade ranch dressing, which suits them best!

French Onion Soup

This classically fancy soup is most impressive served in a traditional crock. If you are crockless, any oven proof bowl with a rim that is smaller than your cheese slices is acceptable. In a pinch, cheese slices can be replaced with shredded cheese and broiling can be skipped all together.

Key Lime Pie

This just happens to be gluten-free thanks to the rice check cereal crust.  And furthermore it is delicious.
It makes a BIG pie, so you can easily half the recipe and make it in an 8" pie pan.

L & L Style Macaroni Salad

Ever since I first tried the macaroni salad at L& L Hawaiian Barbecue, I have wanted more.  And I am not a fan of macaroni salad.  Unfortunately, I had it when visiting my sister in San Diego, CA and I haven't been anywhere, since, that had one.  I finally, after years of looking, found a lead, and from that information, created a recipe that approximates the salad pretty well.

Of course, if you are not trying to clone L & L's recipe, you can always add diced ham, finely chopped shallots, or anything else you fancy.