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I don’t think comfort food gets any better than a great grilled cheese sandwich. It’s fast, easy, hot, and satisfying.
And like pizza, it seems that there are infinite flavour combinations, and they are easy to make any time of the day. And kids of all ages can participate in making them.
My niece, who just recently moved into her own apartment was asking me about easy recipe ideas last weekend. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s getting a copy of 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, by Alison Lewis (Robert Rose Inc.)
There are so many applications for this book, and grilled cheese/paninis in general: It’s an inexpensive option for singletons and empty-nesters who want a fast and satisfying meal, and it’s a great way to include kids in the kitchen. And your hungry growing teenagers can make this after school.
I have posted about grilled cheese a couple of time in the past, so this book really had me at the title, but since acquiring 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, I have been making grilled sandwiches on a regular basis. I have tried many recipes from the book, and have been inspired to adapt a few with ingredients that I have on hand.
150 Best Grilled Cheese contains everything from traditional grilled cheese, and breakfast sandwiches, to appetizer sandwiches, to deli favourites like the classic reuben, and even dessert sandwiches.
I have always been into making grilled sandwiches, but this book really inspired me to bring out my contact grill more often. Note: A frying pan works just fine – I just like the fact that I can pop it in, and leave it unattended while it gets all squishy and makes cool grill marks.
And for those of you who are gluten-free, you don’t have to pass on this book. I have found some great GF bread options that I’ll be sharing with you next week. You don’t have to give up grilled cheese happiness!
Today’s recipe is for the Black Russian. It’s the lemony mustard dressing and brie that make this so amazing. And really, it has all of the major food groups: bread, dairy, protein and vegetable (the lettuce 
Note: Bob’s Red Mill has a hearty whole grain GF bread mix that you can use in place of the pumpernickle with great results in this recipe. In fact, it’s such a good alternative, we’ve been continuing to use this bread mix, even though we’re not gluten-free.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS SHELLY!
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Today’s question: What is your favourite grilled cheese sandwich? Do you add extra fillings such as meat and veggies, or are you a cheese purist?
- Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. only
- This draw closes on Friday, February 1st, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
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This idea came to me from a New York friend who said she used to eat this often as a cold sandwich. Either way, I love the rustic combination of ingredients.
You can substitute regular Brie for the cracked pepper one.
Ingredients
- • Panini grill or large skillet
- • Preheat panini grill to medium, if using
- 1/2 cup stone-ground mustard 125 mL
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 15 mL
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest 5 mL
- 8 slices pumpernickel bread 8
- (1?2-inch/1 cm thick slices)
- 1?4 cup olive oil 60 mL
- 8 oz Black Forest ham 250 g
- 1 cup lettuce leaves 250 mL
- 4 oz cracked pepper Brie 125 g
- (see Tip)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mustard, parsley and lemon zest.
- Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Place on a work surface, oiled side down. Spread bread slices equally with mustard mixture. Top 4 slices equally with ham, lettuce and Brie. Cover with remaining bread slices, oiled side up, and press together gently.
- Place sandwiches on preheated panini grill or in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, turning once if using a skillet, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
Excerpted from 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches by Alison Lewis © 2012 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca May not be reprinted without publisher permission.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never been adventurous with this classic – I should branch out! Though I have grown up from the Wonderbread & process cheese slices days…..
For me, it’s with 5 yr old sharp cheddar & some great nutty whole grain bread!
(might have to give that Bob’s mix a try…)
we love many kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches!
You would definitely love this book then
I too have a tendency to stick with the classic (as long as I have lots of ketchup for dipping). I’ve always meant to add some big slices of sweet onion, but always think of it after the fact!
I love ketchup with classic grilled cheese too
I like adding ham or bacon! This looks amazing!!!
I love ham and bacon with grilled cheese too, along with a sliced tomato.
My favorite is mushrooms with caramalized onions and some gruyere cheese! Yum!
I “like” you on Facebook!
When lunch comes GRILLED CHEESE IS NUMBER ONE IN MY THOUGHTS! I love to make a simple grilled cheese with at least 3 or 4 different cheese and fresh tomatoes even once in awhile add BACON! Bread selection pumpernickel, rye to, multigrain are my favourites!!!!!!!!!
Grilled cheese is number one for me too!
I like simply grilled cheese with lots of sharp cheddar.
Thanks!
A fine classic
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