I have to take issue with your description of a Maid-Rite...it's not seasoned at all but with salt and pepper, nor is it a special type of meat. My good friends who own the local Maid-Rite use the whole steer and has it ground, then the meat is steamed. But I can't let you omit the tenderloin sandwich. I know of nowhere else that serves such a thing. It's a slice of boneless pork loin, pounded thin, breaded and seasoned, which varies by the maker...some use a bit of sage, some just salt and pepper some a seasoned salt like Lowries....then deep fried and served on a large hamburger bun....but the meat must overhang the bun by at least 2 inches on all sides....3 inches is better, and served with some chopped onion, a slice of pickle and mustard...ketsup on the side. And I think the issue with the Philadelphia Haogie is that in Philly they call what the rest of the country calls a "submarine" or a "sub" a hoagie. Linda C

I prefer Jif creamy peanut butter and soft spongy store bought bread (the kind that everybody here hates; BTW, I only like it for BLT's and PBJ's) Never ever do I use grape jelly. We are not big jelly fans here. Hate grape jelly, but love Booberry's grape jam. (It is gone Boo, sob sob). I also do not use strawberry. It's my least favorite jam. We use apricot or plum or red reaspberry or orange/grapefruit marmalade or anything but strawberry. And, to be honest, I prefer the peanut butter without any jam. Then I put the PB on very thin, clean the knife on the 2nd slice of bread, and smash the bread. Just like a little kid. If I use jam, the jam is very thinly spread on the 2nd slice of bread and there is no smashing involved. Dang. Whoda thunk that making PBJ's was an "art?"

I haven't been here for quite some time so haven't read your previous posting re: economic struggles. Sounds to me like you've got it together & are doing great. The kids won't care their new cars cost a dollar OR the coats, etc came from Goodwill. They WILL remember they fun they had & they were warm & loved. A friend, now deceased, told me several times of a Christmas when their 5 were small. No funds, etc. Someone gave them a tree - the largest they ever had. Parents bought necessities .. toothbrushes, combs, gloves, etc. and wrapped each item & placed some on the tree. When the kids were grown & parents, every Christmas they got together, THAT was the Christmas they all remembered with love. The same will be true of your kids. So for those who say they don't believe in going to church or that those of who do shouldn't have problems or wish only good things for others, it's sad. Ignore them. Love those little ones, build the memories. Those are gifts money cannot buy & will last a lifetime!

I'm so glad Roxanna posted about her friend. I would have said don't do it. :) I've catered large teas and experimented with make ahead. 3 hours ahead, well wrapped in the fridge, was okay, but already less perfect. It may be that that it doesn't continue to suffer if it's overnight rather than three hours. I would have been more concerned about soggy bread than dry. I think your way of drying the cucumbers is a good idea, between the towels and the evaporator in the fridge. I hope it all goes well and you have a great party!