Friends Of Elsie

Like almost everyone I know, I’ve made poor food choices and adopted some bad eating habits that affected my health. Several years ago, my mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Scared for her and my future, I looked in the mirror and finally noticed the extra 50 pounds I was carrying on my 5’1” frame and knew I needed to make a change. I committed to improving my eating habits and living a more active lifestyle. Although it wasn’t easy, I’m now at a healthy weight and more fit than I’ve ever been in my life.

I found that a few minor changes can make a big difference. I’ve adjusted my portion sizes, eat more fruits and vegetables, and try to work out several times a week. Equally important, I continue to make sure cheese and dairy are part of my daily menu. They are delicious, wholesome food choices that fit well into most eating plans. They are also incredibly versatile and contain a host of valuable nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12 – all of which are vital to good health.

Since cheese is so portable, it makes for a perfect snack or lunch side for my on-the-go lifestyle. When I’m in the kitchen with my husband, we incorporate different kinds of cheese into our meals to add wonderful flavor and texture. Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean bland and boring, it can be truly delicious and cheesy.

While I generally don’t have any issues finding ways to incorporate cheese into my meals, every now and then I’m stumped for something new to make. That’s when I head to the recipe section of FriendsOfElsie.com for fresh menu ideas (below is one of those recipes from one of our farm families). Check out the site to see how you can use cheese to rev up your family’s menu.

Wolf Family Chicken Club Sandwich

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast filets (about 1 pound total)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices Borden® Cheese 2% Pepper Jack Singles
• 4 Kaiser rolls, sliced horizontally, toasted
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 green leaf lettuce leaves
• 8 tomato slices
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp
• 1/2 avocado, peeled, sliced

Directions

Preheat grill. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and grill over medium heat for five to eight minutes on each side or until cooked through. Top each chicken filet with two slices of cheese; heat on grill until cheese melts. Spread mayonnaise on bottom half of each roll (optional), and top with lettuce, tomato, bacon, chicken and avocado. Close each sandwich with top half of roll and serve.

Jen Collins, Associate Brand Manager for Borden Cheese