What do Johnny Depp, Renee Zellweger and Dick Van Dyke have in
common? Other than their dashing good looks and big, fat wallets, it
seems these Hollywood actors are as different as John Wayne and
Communism. Upon closer examination one begins to see a pattern. Along
with likes of Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon, our
unlikely trio is among the ranks of Yanks sporting British accents in
major roles.
Not all of us have the time (or the moolah)
to hitch up our wagons and make a trip to the old country. So, when we
start to pine for the things of Dukes and Danes, but don't have the
plane ticket to make it happen, I suggest we do as the proverbial
"Romans" do. We've got to fake it until we make it, my fellow
Americans. And the first stop on our imaginary tour is, of course, the
cuisine. Meal plan style.
Apples and Cheese
The
easiest and most meal-plan friendly way to feel like you're sitting at
a street café in France instead of your 10 by 8, snow-logged dorm room,
is to break out a taste sensation often overlooked by mainstream
American eaters. Any combo of cheese and apple is to die for, but my
favorite bastardized recipe is Granny Smith and cheddar. Sure, real
Europeans are making fun of you. But your stomach is saying thank you.Tomato and Cream Cheese Crackers
Alright,
I'll be honest. I have no real evidence that this recipe is related to
Europe at all. I made it up two days ago when in a mood for sweet and
salty. But, it's just weird enough that when you make it you can
probably convince your friends that it came straight out of your
great-great-Nonna's secret recipe box. Cube up a fresh tomato or drain a can of tomato pieces and put them into an oven-safe pan. Season with a generous pinch of salt (garlic or onion salt is even better) and a healthy dash of pepper. Roast until fragrant, probably about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. While the tomatoes are in the oven, slather Ritz crackers with cream cheese. Top each cracker with a bite of cooked tomato, which can be eaten hot or cold.
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