Monday, March 7, 2016

Grandkids, Wisconsin Cheese Fries, and Downton Abbey



Hi everyone!  We had a great time visiting our daughter and her family in Wausau for a few days late last week. I've a couple collages here today, one of the grandkids and the second one of Wisconsin Cheese Fries. Don't know what that is? Or maybe you think you do?  Well, we'll let you think about it a little bit while you're looking at these photos of the grandkids. I tell you, it's hard to get a camera with a shutter speed fast enough to get moving grands! The photo in the lower right is one I caught when they were twirling until they made themselves dizzy - giggling and loving it.


TADA!!!
That irresistible smile, even with a Nuk


Popsicle Girl was just a bonus pic.

So were you thinking about Wisconsin Cheese Fries? Did you guess what they are?  Everyone I asked guessed, like I had, that they are French fries drizzled with melted cheese. Oh, how wrong we were!!  It has nothing to do with French fries at all.  It's actually an especially garlic-laden pizza made without the marinara on top, so that you bake the pizza in an oven while heating the marinara sauce (which comes in a packet with the pizza) in the microwave. The pizza is then cut into strips and the strips are dipped in the marinara sauce.

I still wonder who on earth thought of this and thought it was anything different than a PIZZA. But I guess it's a great marketing gimmick, and according to our SIL, it was a huge hit even when he was in high school. All the kids hated to miss the day the lunch room was serving cheese fries.


Cheese fries never made it to my part of Wisconsin, at least not that I knew about. I suspect that it's a very regional thing, like maybe Wausau and Stevens Point. Any thoughts on this?

And just so you know:  It was really good. Tasted a lot like...pizza! without the pepperoni or olives.


ONE MORE THING:

 telegraph.co.uk

Julian Fellowes, Creator, Writer of Downton Abbey

Julian Fellowes managed to do it. He brilliantly tied up all the loose ends in Season Six of Downton Abbey. Although there were seasons that I wasn't particularly fond of, I would say that on the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Crawley family and those who served them at Downton Abbey over the past several years. I still shake my head at the mind that comes up with that stuff. My favorite characters were Lord Grantham and his dog.

What did you think of the series finale last night? Who were your favorites overall?


Linking to Judith's Mosaic Monday (and welcome back, Judith!)
and You're Gonna Love it Tuesday 
and Roses of Inspiration


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Be sure to let me know if you're familiar with Wisconsin Cheese Fries, okay?


Judy

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, Judy. Such cute pictures of your grandchildren! The cheese fries look/sound delicious! Hope you have a very nice Monday.

Dicky Bird said...

The next time you come to Wausau have your daughter take you to Wausau Mine Company or Papillions in Rothschild - these two are owned by the same family - they are the original pizza place that brought cheese fries (Italian French Fries with Cheese) to our area. They are awesome in fact the best! Downton left me wanting more... I want to see Mary's baby, how baby Bates grows up, Edith finally happy, Tom and the lady who caught the bouquet, Mr. Carson in retirement, Daisy...on and on.... I guess that is how a good show should end, leaving you wanting more. I was happy the story lines ended on good notes. I like too many of the characters to name just one.

Cheryl said...

Darling photos of the grands! And your daughter is beautiful! It looks like it was a lovely visit...cheese fries included!

AT our house, we all agreed that the final episode was very satisfying. I think that purposefully ending the series was a good choice. Too often, beloved series are left to drag on long past their prime and by the time they end, no one cares any more. (However, I will terribly miss my winter Sunday evenings at Downton!)

Deb said...

Hi Judy - I thought that they could do one more season of DA without anyone getting bored with it. Just the visuals alone would keep me watching. I will miss the series as it was so well done. Glad to see you had some time with your grands. Gosh, they are so cute. Love the 'curtain' shot. It looks like spring is arriving here. Hugs, Deb

eileeninmd said...

Hello Judy, your grandchildren are all adorable. I know you enjoyed your visit with them. I like pizza any kind of way, so your cheese fries look delicious! Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

Elizabethd said...

Yum yum!
We saw the Downton Abbey ending a while ago, and it seemed that every knot was tied up! We do miss it. I watched it more for the beautiful clothes than for any other reason. The Dowager was always so immaculate.

MadSnapper said...

I had no idea what to expect on the cheese fries, but it certainly was not this. but i do love it. at Hungry Howies it is called Howie Bread and at Lil Ceasars it is called crazy bread and i love it more than pizza...the grandkids collage is so sweet, all of them and the tada pic is my favorite pic... don't watch Abbey so can't answer that one

Snap said...

Cute kids! I've never had cheese fries, but my mouth is watering! I'll miss Downton Abbey.

Arlene G said...

What lovely grands Judy!! I am sure you enjoyed lots of hugs and kisses!! Cheese fries are called breadsticks here. Most of the pizza places offer them as a side. Although why you need Pizza and Breadsticks is a mystery to me!lol I agree with you about Downton Abbey. I posted my thoughts on the last episode on my blog today so I will just let you read them there. I may do a post on where I think all the characters will be in 10 years. That would be fun to think about!

21 Wits said...

Ah yes, I'm following that group that's crying....say it isn't over yet! Oh well, it was a great run while it lasted. Now about those cheese fries, I don't believe (yes me who does make it to Wisconsin often) hasn't had them yet. A must try. Your photos today just warm my heart, family and especially family close at hand is the best thing ever! Have a great week!

Tracy Batchelder said...

Grandchildren bring so much joy to our lives! And, I didn't know about that version of cheese fries. Over here it's just as you say, french fries topped with cheese. I can see how this version is like dipping a french fry in ketchup, but the name is a little misleading.

Robin said...

Grandchildren are so adorable! Loved, loved Downton Abbey. My favorite part of last night show was seeing Edith finally happy.

R's Rue said...

Cheese fries.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

Glad you got some time with those darling little grands...always time well spent. Nope, would have NEVER guessed that for cheese fries, lol. We will watch the DA finale tonight. Soo looking forward to it. There is no doubt in my mind we will DEFINITELY be missing that visit every Sunday night! Have a good week!

Stephanie said...

Your grandchildren are precious, my friend, and what sweet joy to be able to spend time with them :) They will have such wonderful memories as they grow older.

Thos cheese fries look fabulous! I went to college in Wisconsin, but never had cheese fries....now I feel like I missed out on something great :)

Have a beautiful day! Hugs!

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, oh yummy, those cheese fries look delish!!!!!! Sweetest pictures of your Grand Kiddo's, adorable. Blessings Francine.

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely pictures of your grandchildren - an absolute joy - and such fun.
I love spending time with family, time is so precious as are the memories it leaves ...

Hope this new week is a good one for you.

Take Care

All the best Jan

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

OH your little one just took me back in time to when my grandson was about her age and played peekaboo with the sheer curtains too!!! :)

Linda Kay said...

I didn't read everything, as I haven't watched the last episode yet....have it recorded.

camp and cottage living said...

How delightful you are getting to spend time with your Grands. They look so cute and full of vim and vigor!
Would you believe that I recorded Downtown Abbey and it only recorded the 1st hour(as in the past it is only an hour long)? So now I have to wait until Thurs. to see the last hour....So glad you didn't give any details!

podso said...

It sure is hard to catch a still photo of grands at that age. You did well and glad you had a good visit. Those cheese fries remind me of mozzarella sticks dipped in sauce--served as an appetizer I guess. As far as DA, always concerned about Tom, I was glad to see a quick flirting glimpse of a possible romance for him. And quite a bit of redemption there with Mary and being and doing kind. A satisfying ending for sure.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I loved the end of Downtown Abby! So glad for all the loose ends to tie up so happily.
Your grandchildren are adirable, Judy. I know what you mean about them all moving too quickly for the calera--I have the same difficulty trying to get photos of mine
Cheese fries look good but I'll stick to regular pizza..lol

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

Hello, Judy! Lovely photos of your lively and happy grandchildren! :)
If cheese fries are like pizza they must be good.
Thank you for the fun post and have a great week ahead!

DeniseinVA said...

Your grandchildren are little darlings. They must be a total joy to visit with. I have never eaten cheese fries but they are advertised here. They seem like a very good idea and will remember the next time I serve up a pizza. I haven't watched Downton Abbey since the second season but would like to catch up one of these days as I know how popular it is. I seem to remember Julian Fellowes as an actor on British Television before I moved to the states. He certainly created a hit didn't he?

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Judy, your grands are just precious. Oh, the energy of a child! I've never heard of cheese fries, but I've heard of cheese and I love the stuff. Maybe a little too much.
Downton Abbey made me cry last evening. I love it so and find it great television. My favorite has to be Violet and Isobel's bantering through the seasons! They remind me of some of my aunts that are now in heaven. Have a great week! ♥

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy! Oh, what darling little grandchildren you have! They are never still, are they? :) I didn't know what those cheese fries were but they do sound good. Oh, wasn't DA just wonderful last night? What are we going to do with out it? Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Christine said...

Hello Judy! My head is spinning just looking at those lovely grandchildren of yours! Energetic doesn't even begin to describe their waking hours! I absolutely loved the photo of your sweet grand daughter behind the gauzy curtain!
I was thinking of cheese curds or deep fried breaded cheese chunks that we sometimes make but the cheese fries you show still look tasty!insuppose you could dip them in various sauces of your choosing!
Have a great week!

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Happy Monday Judy!

LOved the photos - and I think I have seen the cheese fries in the freezer section at the grocery store...but I definitely don't think they're a "thing" up in this area. ;)

I loved the Downton ending and still grieving a bit that it's all over. I loved so many characters - but I really loved the Dowager - I couldn't wait to hear what extra fun lines she'd have each week. I loved Mary too...and how strong she could be. From the Downstairs Crew I loved Mrs. Hughes probably the most. Guess I'm just impressed with strong women. Lol

Blessings on your week ahead my Dear! xoxo

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Oh Judy.. your grandchildren are soooooooo cute. Love popsicle girl and binky girl. I do know what cheese fries are because I went to college in Illinois and we used to travel 40 minutes to The Keg in Milwaukee for some brews and cheese fries. I have a question... why didn't Bates get promoted to take over the Butler job? This has been bugging me. Have a great week.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So glad you had such a wonderful visit in Wausau.
That's a different way to eat pizza for sure.....
I just finished watching Downton Abbey's series finale and they did an excellent job, like you said, on tying up all the loose ends. I found myself smiling and crying throughout the whole show. I'm going to miss them!

Denise said...

your grandchildren are precious. those cheese fries look yummy.

Rose said...

Your grands are adorable...I would have bet money that the one shot was a peek-a-boo shot....I guess I would have lost. But I just love that shot.

As for Downton Abbey, I have loved the whole series...but I don't have a favorite, though the Dowager got the most laughs from me.

ann said...

The wee ones look like they can grandmas pretty busy. Cuteness for sure. Cheese fries look so good. I do enjoy a good cheese.

Pamela Gordon said...

Sweet pictures of your grandkids having a fun time. Your cheese fries look a lot like what we buy at pizza restaurants called cheese sticks. They are so yummy and greasy and cheesy. lol I expect your cheese fries are tastier though.

Theresa said...

Oh so cute little one hiding behind the curtain. Aren't grandkids just the sweetest gift on Earth? Enjoy your week dear friend. Hugs

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I think you were just eating pizza strips Judy but a marketing name of appeal probably helps sales. Now poutine, that bizarre Canadian invention of fries with cheese curds has never done anything for me but the younger generation finds it to their liking.
The comment of your grands twirling until dizzy reminded me of ours at that age, silly but brought lots of laughs. I always had to do a reverse for ring around the rosy the second time. lol
Downton Abbey tied things up pretty well and didn't leave us guessing about any relationships. Mrs. Patmore will be seeing more of Mr. Mason but who knew Barrow would end up as the head butler. ;-) We can start having company for dinner now on Sunday nights because I don't have to keep it open to watch the previous week and then new episode of DA anymore. (sigh)

Anita Johnson said...

All good here, the pictures are so fun. I hope to START on Downton Abbey this year....I think I will love it!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I never would have guessed what cheese fries were! It sure looks good! Loving those adorable grands. I laughed to see the gates in the doorways - my grandbaby just learned to crawl :) I'm sad that Downton is all over. Loved it all - the Abbey, the grounds, the costumes, the story-lines, the characters.....Now what will we watch? Boo-hoo-hoo! x Karen

Vee said...

What?! I have learned something new...yes, I thought that cheese fries were fries drizzled with melted cheese, which is a culinary "treat" that one can find in our corner. Perhaps the strips are nice and tidy and help with portion control.

You loved the dog best? Hahahahaha...course you did! =D I was so preoccupied with trying to "lose" the narrator that I must watch the final episode again to know what really went on. There are so many wonderful characters that I would have a difficult time choosing a favorite. Carson might have made the short list, but he was pretty frustrating this season.

Oh is there a little girl anywhere who does not love "wearing" lace curtains? So cute! Glad that you had a nice visit.

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful grandchildren! That is a new kind of cheese fries! I was happy with the ending of Downton but I sure will miss it!

Cheryl said...

That precious little girl is just adorable...all of them are! You are abundantly blessed indeed! I am linking up next to you at Stephanie's link-up, and it was so wonderful meet you and visit with you today. :) Seeing pictures of the Wisconsin cheese fries made me hungry! LOL!

Chris K in Wisconsin said...

We live in the Madison area, and I've never heard of those cheese fries. Cheese curds everywhere, though!!!!
Downton was fantastic. I loved how he seemingly wrapped all the loose ends. For Mary and Edith to become friends was the best
surprise of all. It was always wonderful to have Downton to look forward to right after the holiday season, in the dead of winter, on every Sunday night for at least a few months. We will miss it so!!

Daniela said...

What cheerful photographs, my dearest Judy, talking about a so wonderful family, blessed be !
Have a wonderful remainder of your week, my sweet friend,
sending much love to you,
with gratitude
Dany

P.S. as for Downton Abbey, I've followed all the series with so much interest and amusement, but I wasn't able to watch this last one, alas !

Hugs

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I didn't have a clue- around here we call that cheese pizza or cheese breadsticks. Cheese fries are actually fries with lots of cheese melted..something I never have been able to eat...unless you take it one more step and make it chili-cheese fries..now that's YUM. Your grands are adorable!!! I'm signing that DA is over. I absolutely loved this series, and will watch it again and again on Amazon prime.

Amy at love made my home said...

Well, that is definitely not what you would get if you asked for a cheese fries order in England!! Hee hee!! I thought that Downton ended really well with everything coming together well, but not overly sentimentally, just right! xx

Mrs.T said...

I would have guessed cheese fries to be fries drizzled with melted cheez whiz or something similar. We do have friends in Wisconsin (Kaukauna) and our daughters went to college in northern WI, and I do believe somewhere along the way someone told us about these "cheese fries" but I just can't remember for sure. Regardless, they do sound very tasty and the grandchildren pics are adorable.

This N That said...

Adorable grand kids..I like the pizza idea..The ending to Downton was well done, I thought ..Hated to see it end though...

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
I love the photos of the grand kids. :-) Sweethearts. :-))
Cheese Fries, fun, I will have to ask my sister about this, she lives in Merrill.
Downton ~ a class act on how they did the final show. Love it!
Carla

Lorrie said...

Cheese fries are new to me. I wondered if they would be similar to poutine - the French Canadian dish that's made its way across Canada.
Photos of the grandkids are so great, and I sympathize with you about trying to get photos in focus. They move so quickly!
Downton - I always had a soft spot for Mary. Under all those prickles was a heart of gold. I loved the way she orchestrated the dinner for Edith and her love.

Terri D said...

I'm trying to catch up on blogs after not being on the computer much over the weekend (with our company). I would not have guessed cheese fries was actually cheese pizza with no sauce. It does look good, though! As for Downton...I loved the many happy endings in the last episode. Like you, there were a couple of seasons I don't care to see again...when the Abbey was a hospital, and the one where Bates was charged with murdering his wife. BUT - I fell in love the with story and characters and will watch them all again one day. I can't say I have one favorite.

Anonymous said...

Seeing grand kids is always fabulous! The little one playing with the curtains is so cute! Surprising ...the authot of Downtown Abbey - thought he would be much younger. His characterizations of the people is spot on! Of course I also enjoyed all the costumes:):)

Judy S. said...

Fun photos! I, too, will miss Downton; it had become a Sunday night ritual.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wasn't at all familiar with cheese fries, but I would love them. (You had me at cheese!). Darling grands.

Anonymous said...

Pretty sheers! What kid doesn't like to play in the draperies? LOL Such a cutie! I may have heard of cheese fries, somewhere. I've eaten something similar, it just wasn't called that. If it has anything at all to do with pizza, I probably like it!

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