When it is cold and windy outside, I am always reminded of the delicious tomato soup and hot cheese sandwiches my mother would make.

When it is winter weather outside, I prefer a wood stove or fireplace, a comfy chair, a warm blanket, lots of books, a bouquet of fresh flowers...okay, it is alright to dream, right?

This picture is from a past edition of Country Living Magazine(British Edition). It has all my preferences, except the soup and hot cheese sandwich.

I know you all have your favorite recipes for tomato soup, but the above pictured was my choice this time.

I found the soup at the grocery store and discovered it's great taste. Plus it has no trans fat, no added MSG or no preservatives.

I put the contents of the soup in my pan, added 1 TB of brown sugar(because that is always what my mother did):), plus a dash of salt and pepper.

Just heat and serve.

These baked ham 'n' cheese sandwiches are so easy and convenient.

"Use your microwave when preparing the tasty onion butter for these sandwiches from Ann Chrysler of Adrian, Michigan. I have no idea where I found this recipe, I only know that it has been in my recipe file for a long time.

The ingredients;

3 thinly sliced onions(I use 1 1/2 instead)

1/2 cup of butter, cubed

3 TB. of Dijon mustard(or French's Classic yellow mustard)

1 TB poppy seeds

1 TB lemon juice

8 croissants, split( I used whole grain crusty rolls)

2 pounds of shaved deli ham

1/2 pound sliced baby Swiss cheese(or whatever you have on hand)

~Place onions and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave on high for 2 or 3 minutes or until onions are tender. Stir in the mustard, poppy seeds, lemon juice. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute or until heated through.

~Spread onion mixture on both sides of the cut sides of the roll. On bottom half of roll, layer ham and cheese; replace tops.

~Wrap each sandwich in foil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Yield: 8 servings

The nice thing about these sandwiches is that they can be cooled and then frozen. When ready to eat, simply remove foil and microwave for 1 minute.

I make extra of these sandwiches and my husband takes them from the freezer for his lunch at work.

I top the tomato soup with a bit of micro grated cheese and chopped parsley flakes.

A simple, quick idea for a cold, winter evening.


See how the cheese melted and blended with the onion sauce.

Wish it was dinner time.
Hope you are staying warm.