The High Maintenance Melt

Summer is surely in full swing. And we did a lot this weekend as a result. For Father's Day, we trekked to my hometown for the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. It's an annual event that features a 10K race, parade, carnival, and arts & crafts show. So, it's a lot of fun. It's a yearly excuse to get together with family and friends.

Here are just some of the highlights:


Not sure why I'm waving my arms and smiling with my mouth wide open in most of these shots. However, you can gather it was a fun weekend -- most definitely. Back to the 10K for a minute. Get this: Stephen WON the 10K. It wasn't the largest field in the world (maybe 100 runners or so), but with the elevation and a finish time of 36:59 -- we're all super proud of him. I scored second place in my age group, too (50:15 -- again, this course is HARD, so no PRs here!) . . .



Did I mention it was like 80 degrees and brutally sunny the entire time? I wore my Camelbak for extra support, and I'm so glad I did.



I even made a little time for some yoga with my wonderful friend Erin.


And, of course, we can't forget Father's Day. Here are a few shots of me and my dad (who was very kind to pose for me):




But enough about me. So, what's this High Maintenance Melt? It's a copycat sandwich from my favorite hometown cafe: The Native Bagel. Sandwiches are the best -- and when you put them on a bagel (remember the apple melt???), they get even better. Add cheese? Woah.


HIGH MAINTENANCE MELT

What you'll need . . .

• A bagel of your choice, toasted
• Light cream cheese or 2 Laughing Cow cheese wedges
• 2 slices of deli cheese (I used pepper-jack, but cheddar is also good)
• 1 vine tomato, sliced
• Handful of baby spinach, divided
• Brown mustard to taste

Method . . .

1. Turn your oven on to the broil option.
2. Once your bagel is toasted, let it cool slightly . . . then spread on a thin layer of cream cheese (or use those Laughing Cow wedges -- I love those).
3. Pile on a healthy layer a spinach, then tomato, then top with your slice of cheese.
4. Put under the broiler until lightly browned and bubbly. Squirt on some mustard for extra taste.

So, if THIS is being high maintenance, count me in. I won't apologize -- because it's easy and amazing. Anyway, stay tuned for the winner of the CSN Shopping Spree giveaway (to be posted later this afternoon)! And tell us -- do you have a favorite gotta-go-home event that happens each year? Just leave us a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

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