I remember the first Reuben sandwich that I ever tasted. I was waitressing in a local restaurant that is quite well known (love it or hate it) in the area. It came time for lunch and a friend of mine ordered one, so I decided to follow suit. I’d never tasted anything like it. The melting Swiss cheese, the sauce, and the warm Corned Beef all melded together perfectly to make the King of sandwiches.

I missed them more than words could say when I switched restaurants and the new place I worked did not have them. Eventually they got them and they would be one of my regular lunch options. When I quit waitressing and began working at home, I perfected my own spin on the Reuben (same ingredients, just a different sandwich building method). Needless to say, I get stuck making them a lot.

Despite living in the same state as Zingerman’s I was clueless to their existence until late one night while watching Food Network. I watched them bake bread and eventually the host went to the Deli and ate the most amazing looking Reuben I’d ever set my eyes upon. When I checked their website recently I got giddy realizing that these amazing sandwiches can be delivered right to your door. I couldn’t wait to receive a reuben, which was quite obvious as I sliced open the box like a kid in a candy store.

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Holiday food staples are those traditional items distinct to an individual family. Not everybody makes them, but those that do appreciate the tradition. Everyone tends to have that one item (or more) that always seem to make it to the holiday table, no matter what the family decides to make. One of those items for me was called “Pink Stuff” when I was growing up. This salad made from such simple ingredients as cottage cheese and Cool Whip is delicious enough to be a must have on my holiday dining table.

I have not really heard of anyone else making this salad that my mom makes, but I am sure that it is made by others. If you have never heard of it, I’ve included a recipe below for those who wish to give it a try.

If you try it, let me know if you like it! Either way – we here at Ashtyn’s Home Cookin’ hope that you have a happy holiday season!

Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad

1 pkg. Dry Jell-o (we use Strawberry or Cherry but you can use what you like)
1 Small tub of Cool Whip
1 Small carton of Cottage Cheese (small curd recommended)
1 Can Chopped Pineapple (you could use other fruit, if you prefer)
Maraschino Cherries

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