Sometimes I don’t like to post recipes.
OK that’s a lie…I love to post recipes. But sometimes things that I make aren’t really “recipes” per se – they’re more of a method + a whimsy = delicious.
That’s sort of what we have here today – an idea gone rogue in my kitchen that ended up being a super-grown-up take on my favorite grilled cheese. I figure if I’m going to be a mom and responsible for another human and all that jazz, maybe kicking up the ol’ palate would be a good thing.
Has anyone ever mentioned how being a grown-up is not always fun? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind getting old. In fact I think it’s a beautiful thing to be able to reflect on life and always be able to look forward to what’s ahead. BUT things like taxes, insurance, and mortgages are for the birds. I’d much rather be perpetually 25 years old in terms of those responsibilities.
Who’s with me?!
BAKED APPLE & CHEDDAR GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (I used a thick white bread from the grocery store bakery)
- 8 thin slices of really good cheddar cheese (I used Willow River Sharp Cheddar)
- 2 Tbsp apricot preserves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 large apple or 2 small apples (I used Granny Smith)
- 2 Tbsp butter (or margarine or oil…whatever you prefer)
Preheat your oven to 400. Peel the apple(s) and slice very thinly; place in one layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until soft and caramelized.
Preheat a griddle over medium. Meanwhile build the sandwiches: spread each piece of bread on one side with 1/2 Tbsp of apricot preserves each. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes. Place a slice of cheese on top of each. When the apples are done, pile half on each sandwich, making an even layer of apples. Put the sandwiches together and spread each exterior piece of bread with butter. Place on the griddle for about 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is the doneness that you prefer. Slice and devour!
Cheesy. Spicy. Sweet. Not to mention it’s practically health food since you have apples in there 🙂
Happy Monday!
So craving a grilled cheese now…
CHEEEEEEEEEEEESE! *swoon*
This looks delicious!!!
As someone who is a HUGE grilled cheese (and grilled cheese combo) person, I am totally on board with this recipe. And I second the whole not liking some of the responsibilities of being a grown up, even though other parts of being grown up are pretty awesome.
OMG, my mouth is watering. I would totally whip this up if I wasn’t “counting my points” haha
Absolutely one of my all time favorite combos…pinning now 🙂
Sometimes it’s not fun to be a grown-up, but when I eat this sandwich I won’t be complaning! 😉
Yum that looks so good!
oh this looks so damn delicious, look at all that melting cheese!!!
I sometimes like to snack on cheddar cheese with a crisp apple, the flavors definitely go well. I never even thought of doing grilled cheese, but I bet I’d like it.
Our little one turned 1 a few weeks ago. It’s definitely crazy to reflect on just how many responsibilities somehow creeped into our lives over the years; mortgage, job, car payments, dog, baby. Yikes! But it’s all good. I’d never go back though. I like the past, it was good, got me here, but I like here quite fine 🙂
health food indeed, YUM.
I’m with ya on the taxes, insurance and mortgage… especially since we are signing a new mortgage in two days, EEK! 😀
Love grilled cheese…..cheese anything! Love your pairing with apples. Happy New Year!!