Today sucked. I really mean it. You ever have those days at work where things just aren’t right? Yeah. Me too. I know, I know, I should be grateful I have a job in this economy, yadda yadda yadda but HOLY CRAP sometimes I just want to jump out the window.
I’m hoping that this Nana Wednesday will snap me out of it. Nana usually cheers me right up. It’s her sweet smile and nice chubby figure that I can still remember giving me a big hug. That, a Zelda’s pizza and a Xanax.
Who knew "ghetto gourmet" could look so elegant?
A couple of weekends ago I was invited to a “Ghetto Gourmet” dinner party. I wondered what to make? I had several Nana dishes I could choose from, actually. One option was “Chicken Delicious”, which includes chicken breasts and Thousand Island dressing, but you’ll have to wait for that one. I settled on these Tortilla Roll-Up “Canapes” because I actually took quite a liking to them back in the ’80′s and made them fairly often for my friends.
Nana and Boppa, outside waving at the 4th of July parade going by. These appetizers are something that were probably hanging around at many '80's era 4th of July celebrations.
The funny thing is, my best friend still makes these for her parties occasionally. She has since dubbed them “trailer trash canapes”.
ghetto ingredients--easily accessible at any grocer.
You should have seen the pot luck spread at this shindig. There were hot-dog roll ups, chorizo-stuffed jalapenos, Frito pie, macaroni and cheese with potato chip topping, hot dog and tater tot empanadas, rosemary and browned butter rice krispie treats and curry weenies. And of course my Cherry Dump.
Step one: cream cheese on torilla
But the pièce de résistance was a casserole that involved a bottom layer of pancake, then involved several layers of maple syrup, sausage, bacon, cheese and french fries. It was truly an ungodly concoction. But people seemed to like it. I was a little too scared to try it.
Step two: add salsa and olives
The browned butter-rosemary rice krispies were really good. I might have to rip off that idea and come up with some herby and/or savory krispie treat.
Step three: Roll up and freeze until firm
4th of July is coming up, do you have plans? Back in the day, when Nana was involved with her neighborhood association, they started the annual neighborhood parade. I saw on their website that it is still going on today. Isn’t that cool? My current neighborhood is also beginning this tradition, which I love. Unfortunately I will be on the road, driving home from a little family reunion (my mom’s family this time) on the Oregon Coast on the 4th of July this year, hoping to make it back in time to have a quick midnight drink with my baby who is turning 21. (ACK! My baby is turning 21!)
Step four: slice
These roll-ups would make a perfect snack for your holiday get-together. The ingredients may be a little bit “ghetto” but they’re simple, mainstream and literally everyone will like them. And you can make them in advance!
Ghetto gone fabulous
And if you serve them on a silver tray, no one will think they are ghetto. They will look simply divine, like you slaved away for hours.
Just try NOT to eat more than one, I dare you.
********************************************************
Nana’s Tortilla Roll-Up Canape
Flour tortillas
Cream cheese (I prefer the whipped style, it’s easier to mix)
Ranch dressing
Salsa
sliced rice olives
(I used some sliced green onions)
……………………………………………………
Stir just enough ranch dressing into the cream cheese to make it a spreadable consistency. Add the olives and green onions to the cheese mixture.
Spread each tortilla with a thin layer of cream cheese mixture. Add a spoonful of salsa and spread in a line across the tortilla. Roll up fairly tightly and place on a plate. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
Freeze the tortilla roll ups until they are firm enough to slice without squishing the ingredients everywhere. Slice about 1″ thick and place on a serving tray.
**You can improvise with fillings. I have used some cheddar cheese, jalapenos, diced green chilies–whatever floats your boat at the moment.**
Similar Posts:
- Nana Recipe Wednesday–Pueblo Chicken and Rice
- Nana Recipe Wednesday—Tennis Club Rice Salad
- Nana Recipe Wednesday—Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Nana Recipe Wednesday–Baked Rice with Chilies
- Nana Recipe Wednesday—Bologna Stacks!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Oh how Iove Zelda’s pizza! I live in the Denver, Colorado area now, but moved here from Sacramento (Carmichael) area. I miss all the great food in Sacramento area. So much better than Colorado food.
I love the idea of the ghetto gourmet. I used to make pepperoncini peppers stuffed with port wine cheese spread and a thin slice of salami wrapped around and held together with a toothpick. Definitely fantastic and ghetto gourmet.