Embracing Simple Joys of the Season

Like spring, fall in this part of the country is filled with exciting events. While most revolve around the fall harvests, others are like taking a step back in time – sort of.

Every year in the coastal hills near Hollister is a six-weekend Renaissance Faire. Hubby, Kiddo and I have been going ever since we returned to California. There is food, music, entertainment, jousting and a whole lot of fantasy role-playing going on. Our Renaissance costumes do triple duty for the Celtic Faires, the Renaissance Faire and the Halloween parties in October.

Because our “social” calendar is so busy this time of year, I try to keep our weekend meals simple. One of the nice things about being retired is that I can switch gears – cook more elaborate, time consuming suppers any day of the week. Back in the day as a worker bee, those were reserved for a free weekend or holiday. Now I can keep our weekend meals less complicated when the need arises for more time to enjoy simple pleasures.

God never intended for us not to experience joy outside the confinds of praise and worship. The sounds of His children laughing together is music to His ears. Maybe even sweeter than a choirs of angels singing. We are created in His images, with the capicty to love deeply and fully. Love is the greatest joy of all.

What can I say? Be happy. Love one another. And let your spirit be filled with joy.

Applejack Turkey Panini
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Orange Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Onion
1 tablespoon Olive Oil.
4 slices Applewood Bacon
4 tablespoons Apple Butter
8 slices Sourdough Bread
4 slices Swiss Cheese
4 slices American Cheese
10 oz deli Smoked Turkey
4 tablespoons Honey Mustard
4 tablespoons Butter

Stem, seed and slice bell peppers. Cut onion in half from root to tip, peel both halves. Slice into half-moon slivers. Place peppers and onions in a bowl, drizzle with oil.

Spread vegetables out on a flat-bottom cast iron skillet. Grill vegetables until soft and somewhat blistered. Set aside.

While the vegetables are grilling, fry bacon. Drain well on paper towels. Set aside.

Lay bread out on a cutting board. On 4 slices spread Apple Butter. Spread the Honey Mustard on the remaining slices of bread. Layer with Swiss Cheese, grilled vegetables, bacon, smoked turkey and American cheese on the apple butter side. Close Paninis with the Honey Mustard bread, mustard-side-down on top of the sandwiches. Brush both sides of each Panini lightly with butter.

Heat Panini Press. Grill sandwiches in batches until golden on the outside, cheese just beginning to melt on the inside.

Serve with seasoned Tater Tots and enjoy. While this might sound like a strange flavor profile, these warm sandwiches are amazingly delicious.

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Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.