Hop Shuffle Step

Tuesdays are dance days for me. My tap teacher is an 85-year-old legend in the jazz and tap dance world; he's taught with all of the greats, including the Broadway choreographers and the ballet divas, and has even done a turn or to with Patsy Swayze, Patrick's mother; Sally Rand, the famous fan dancer; and the unforgettable Tommy Tune. Keeping up with Buster Cooper is no small feat, even at his age, and it reminds me that the Rockettes must get their carbs from a good source to do all their legwork.

A few years ago I had the absolute fun of meeting one of Radio City's shining stars - Cheryl Cutlip - who took me to the Say Cheese sandwich shop in New York for a carb workout. Say Cheese is one of those small, comforty, melty cheesy places everyone needs in their New York repertoire when they're feeling tired, drizzled or chilled. This is where the eye-high kickers go, Cheryl told me, ordering a pesto and chicken sandwich, tomato soup (a must) and the curly fries. I was hooked and have revisited Say Cheese every time I get to New York. You'll find some info here:
http://www.saycheese.cc/

Food and dance definitely go together; the Stork Club has always known this. Inspired by the need to refuel after a great tap class and by the warmth of Say Cheese, I offer a homemade version of the classic pimento cheese sandwich (resembling nothing like the contents of those plastic containers you get in the grocery store).

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

You will need:

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon or slightly more of mayo depending on preference
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced pimento, drained
1 tablespoon chopped green olives
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

A few slices of delicious bread such as sourdough
Some butter for spreading on bread

In a medium bowl, mix cheese, mayo, onions, pimento, olives, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. If it looks too dry, add a little more mayo.

Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Spread a slice of bread with butter on one side and place in pan. Top with cheese mixture. Cover with another slice of bread, and spread it with butter.

Cook sandwich on each side until browned and cheese has melted.
Makes about 3 sandwiches

Need to dance off the carbs in this sandwich? Order the Kick Into Fitness video featuring the Rockettes at www.radiocity.com; also available through the Avon Wellness Catalog. I've done it and let me tell you, those Can Can kicks and Roxie Slide will do the trick.

Cheryl Cutlip has a program that's also good to know about, Project Dance, whose mission is to offer dance programs of integrity and to inspire young dancers who come to New York. She produces the fantastic "Broadway Underground" event, and you need to catch it when you're in The City. Find out more about it here:

http://www.projectdance.com/