and then there's Barbara!

I received a lidded food container for Christmas. It was filled with a buttery cheese spread, made by Barbara. The recipe for this delicious spread had been safely carried around by her, for years and years. She indicated to me when I made my copy, that the copy she had, even survived a fire.

Now let me tell you, Barbara is a wonderful woman. She has worked hard her whole life and still in retirement works hard. She does all that she can for her neighbors in our little community and enjoys her granddaughter before and after school.Like I said, busy busy busy.

Years ago Barbara worked at a restaurant call:

THE PANTRY

Portland's favorite restaurant-lounge...across from the Lloyd Center. 

She thought it was about 1958, and probably her first job as an adult. In those days the waitresses wore a uniform consisting of a short skirt with lots of petticoats, and a garter belt. That garter belt held a cap gun!

All dinner entrees came with creamed spinach, and if you did not eat your spinach the waitress got to "shoot" you with her cap gun. Yes ladies and gentlemen those were the days! I hear tell that even though creamed spinach was on every plate (yes, every plate), not every diner enjoyed it. Either that or they loved that cap gun. Honestly, knowing the Barbara of today, I think she had a real good time with that cap gun too!

The Pantry closed many years ago, but it must have been very popular. You can find a copykat recipe for the Chicken Bisque Soup,  here.

You are looking at a very poor scan of the copy I have.....

But this story is about that delicious cheese spread. Since being given that little container of cheesy goodness, I have come up with a lot of reasons to have bread with my dinner. It is that good. But don't stop there, it would also be wonderful as a topping for a baked potato, or tossed with hot pasta.

On grocery shopping day I hope Honey will pick up some french rolls, because I want to slice one down the middle, spread  it thickly with this butter and run it under the broiler. And of course I will make one for him also. What I might serve it with I haven't a clue, but I already know I will be having some delicious, buttery, cheesy bread for my dinner!

When Barbara started at The Pantry, this cheese spread was already a favorite of the patrons!

Cheese Spread
adapted from:
THE PANTRY Restaurant

1 pound butter
1/2 pound Sharp Cheddar Cheese - grated
1/4 pound Romano cheese - grated
1 t Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t garlic powder
1/2 t paprika

Have all ingredients at room temperature. Combine ingredients with a stand mixer, starting out slowly and increasing speed. Mix/whip until fluffy.

To use, spread on sourdough or French bread and toast under the broiler. Generously season a baked potato, or toss with some freshly cooked pasta. Use it to butter asparagus and then quickly run the spears under a broiler to finish the dish to perfection........and you, how do you think this could be enjoyed?

As always, thanks for stopping by to visit.
I always appreciate your taking the time.

This post shared with:
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