One of the most annoying/challenging/predictable parts of living in the state of Kansas is the weather. People always say “If you don’t like the weather in Kansas… just wait!” It is so predictably unpredictable. One day this week we had temperatures in the 70’s. It was so lovely. Our entire neighborhood was out playing, chatting, firing up their grills and enjoying the warm sunshine beating down. By this weekend, we are supposed to have snow falling from the sky again. Yep – if you don’t like the weather in Kansas, just wait because something new will be coming along the next day.
Throughout the month of March, Spring teases us with these little glimpses of what we have in store… the mild and lovely days where capris and sandals are the norm. People begin to emerge from their homes after the long winter hibernation, and the driveway happy hours are happening on every block. Giggles are heard from the children who have stored up their energy and driven their moms crazy all winter long. The ice cream truck travels through the neighborhoods ringing its familar bell, and baths are a requirement every night because of all of the outside messy adventures the kids get themselves into. Bedtime is later because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is going on outside, the outdoor grill and patio set finally get to be used again and life just seems more carefree!
Yes… I know Spring is coming and I absolutley cannot wait. Oh wait… oh no… Warmer weather means skimpier clothes. I am not going to be able to hide under my jeans and big bulky sweaters anymore. Swimsuit season?? Eeeeeeeeks!!
Well… as I do every winter, my winter hibernation has not helped me in the weight loss department at all. I didn’t gain anything over the long winter, but I certainly didn’t lose any weight either. It is time to start thinking light… to start thinking about healthier options and fresh veggies.
One really fun way to present your salad veggies is in a parmesan cheese bowl. An edible bowl to go along with your salad is perfect for spring… you won’t have a dish to do and it saves more time for playing outside!
Speaking of playing… we are heading out of Kansas to find the sunshine for a week. We are going to Florida to visit my best friend and her wonderful family. We are going to hit the beach for a few days and do a couple days of Disney. We are so looking forward to being refreshed! When I return, some big things will be going on at Dine and Dish… stay tuned!
Parmesan Cheese Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups parmesan cheese coarsely grated
- 1 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
Instructions
- Spray an 8-inch non-stick saute pan with vegetable oil spray.
- Heat the pan over medium heat.
- For each Parmesan bowl, sprinkle 1/3 coarsely grated Parmesan to the bottom of the saute pan, distributing the cheese evenly across the pan.
- Allow the cheese to bubble for about 30 seconds before adding an additional 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan.
- When the cheese starts to turn golden brown, remove from the pan and place over any (flipped upside down) bowl you would normally use.
- Now, I like to place a paper towel (or two) over the grated Parmesan to soak up any oil, while I gently press/mold the grated cheese to the bowl.
- Allow a few moments for your Parmesan bowls to cool before removing.
Deborah says
I have seen parmesan cheese bowls done before, but I have never attempted it. They are so cute!
Have a great time in Florida. I’m jealous!!
Mrs.W says
These are SO cute! I’ve been wanting to make some but for some reason or another haven’t gotten to it.
I like your stovetop instructions… seems like you can control it a little better than the other oven-versions I’ve seen. Thanks!
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
These cheese bowls make eating light look so appealing!
Nan says
Hi – just discovered your blog and it’s great – so many things to make…so little thyme! I’ll be back…Nan
Lisa : ) says
Great post–I am seriously wanting to try making the Parmesan cheese bowls right away! I’ve tried making parmesan crackers (or crisps) before, but they didn’t seem to turn out quite right. These look fab, though!
Wishing you a lovely vacation!!!
Cheryl says
I made parmesan cheese bowls before, but filled them with macaroni and cheese. Putting the salad and the tomatoes in it is possibly the cutest presentation I have ever seen. Must try this next time for parties.
Mrs. L says
Those cups do look springy! I’ll have to try them. Enjoy your vacation, say hello to Mickey for me!
Christine says
Your parmesan cheese bowls are adorable! I like how they are colorful and portion controlled! Spring is coming and then summer and I can’t hide under my bulky warm clothes either!
Sylvie says
What a great way of serving salad. I bet that even gets people who are not that interested in salad into it.
LyB says
These lovely salads look delicious! And I love how they’ll save me a few dishes! 🙂 Have fun in Florida!
Michelle says
So cute! 🙂
Hopie says
These look absolutely delicious. I just discovered your blog and I love your focus on having fun and getting messy — very important things!
I’m going to add you to my blog roll and I’ll be back for sure! Have a good vacation.
lululu says
hey, i’ve made mine once. yours looks really good!
Bellini Valli says
These frico bowls make such an inviting presentation to a delicious Spring salad. Spring is a tease…but we haven’t seen snow for weeks…I hope to keep it that way:D
arIA says
omg you TEASE! oh those look fantastic!! and beautiful too i might add 🙂
Nina says
What a beautiful little bite. Real spring colors.
michelle @ the smackdown says
yum, baked cheese. the only thing better would be a parmesan bowl *inside* of a bacon bowl. filled with more cheese and bacon.
cookie jill says
Here in Santa Barbara, we tell when spring is coming when the whales migrate through the Channel! 🙂
"During the months of February, March, April and mid-May the entire herd will pass within just a few miles of Santa Barbara Harbor. In fact, during the months of April-May which is the cow/calf migration, most of the animals are seen within a few hundred yards of shore."
http://www.condorcruises.com/whale-watching.cfm/whale_watching/california-gray-whales.cfm
LyB says
Hi again Kristen! There’s an award for you over here:
http://andthenidothedishes.blogspot.com/2008/03/cake-and-few-things-unexpected.html
Cris says
I have never been to Kansas, but it`s nice to know about the weather there! I love this picture!!!
Annie says
I can’t get over how cute that is…