The Conversation
It’s April, i.e. the best month ever. Why? Because it’s grilled cheese month! Now, you have an excuse to eat an ooey, gooey, melty, cheesy sandwich every day. And if you get tired of the same old sando, don’t worry because we’ve got a solution for you – a sweet spin on a savory grilled cheese. Presenting French Toast Grilled Cheese with ricotta, honey, and strawberries! Yeah, this is happening.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices thick bread (we used cranberry walnut – brioche and challah are also good options)
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup half and half
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– dash of cinnamon
– 4 large strawberries
– 2 tbsp fresh ricotta
– honey for drizzling
– 1 tbsp butter
First, we’ll start off by making the french toast.
Beat the eggs with the half and half, vanilla extract, and dash of cinnamon until well mixed.
Cut your strawberries into thin slices. Then, dip the bread in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are drenched. Melt the butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Cook both sides of the bread in the skillet until lightly browned – about two minutes. You don’t want to make it too brown because you’ll be grilling the bread again.
When all the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble! On one piece of bread, layer the ricotta and strawberries, and drizzle with honey. Put the second piece of bread on top to make a sandwich. Put on the skillet again, on medium low heat, until the bottom is brown (about 3 minutes). Repeat for second sandwich.
Eat, enjoy, and maybe follow with a savory grilled cheese ;)
What’s your favorite grilled cheese sandwich? Tell us in the comments below!
Nanette is an all around food enthusiast who loves transforming basic everyday foods into something delicious, and of course, full of sprinkles. You can see more of her at www.nanettewong.com.
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It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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