Grilling cheese....grilling love

You know for some reason, grilled cheese sandwiches are always associated with rainy days, tomato soup and Moms. And there's nothing wrong with that...really....but let's just let our minds wonder a little bit. Get creative....and see what happens. This one is going to be all about quick and easy. If it takes you longer than 5 minutes to prep any of these, you are seriously doing something wrong. Now I suggest you get a panini maker because they are absolutely wonderful and you will use it.....a lot. BUT, in a pinch a flat pan will work just as well.

OK so, I'm going to a little different format here today. I'll give you the run down on how to cook it, but then I'll just give some suggestions for possible combinations that i have done and love. Tried and true if you will. This is just to get your juices flowing and start making creations of your own, hell have a Panini party and give out a prize for the best Panini. Though the real prize is the tasty treats you all share. And the wine you get to partake in....ok enough....Let's Prep.

Heat up your pan or panini maker on a nice med high heat. As this is heating up, make your sandwiches. Use any bread of your choice and experiment which ones hold up better and give you better flavor combinations. Slather some nice condiment. Mayo is SO not my thing so I usually go with a nice Mustard, butter or even....a little jam...yeah I went there. Lay down your cheese, your meats and then your tomato (Optional).

TPC NOTE: For some reason FG pepper directly on the tomato does just wonders for the tastes. A nice surprising burst in your mouth...with a little kick. Trust me here.

Close up the sandwich and on one side brush with Olive Oil ( you know which kind!) or butter. OR if you're feeling crazy do the Melted butter with Olive oil mix..uh huh. That's really going for it. Grill each side for about 3 minutes so the cheese starts to ooze out. The Panini maker just needs about 3 minutes with the top down. Cut in half and serve them up!
Here are some of my favorites. Now you'll notice I don't put down the amounts. Come on people these are fun bites we are talking about it. Put however much you want on! HAVE FUN...

Fresh Sliced Bread
Ground Horseradish Mustard
Robiola Cheese (An Italian Brie (ish) like cheese with a little more depth)
Prosciutto, Salami, Copa, Speck or any cured meat you want! (Prosciutto can get a bit salty so be careful)
Sliced Tomatoes
FG Pepper
Olive Oil or Butter

Fresh Sliced Bread
Dijon Mustard
Triple Cream Brie Cheese
Black Forest Ham
Sliced Tomatoes
FG Pepper
Olive Oil or Butter

Fresh Sliced Bread
Ground Horseradish Mustard
Smoked Cheddar Cheese
Sliced Roasted Turkey
Sliced Tomatoes
FG Pepper
Olive Oil or Butter

Fresh Sliced Bread
Triple Cream Brie Cheese
Cranberry Preserve spread (or another type works)
Sliced Smoke Turkey (Don't be afraid to try herbed too)
FG Pepper ( on the Turkey side)
Olive Oil or Butter

Well let's just hope I've gotten your creative juices flowing here. I'm ready to fire up a batch right now.

WINE NOTE: Because you're dealing with some heavy meats and cheeses I would suggest I crisp white. I went with a beautiful Sancerre here in the pictures. OR as you know...I'm never afraid to pop a bottle of the bubbly....ever.

I can't wait to hear some of the combinations you tried!

Until we do this again....

Enjoy....Have Fun...and Eat Well!

TPC