As Comforting as Comfort Food Gets!

Shoot, who doesn't love a perfect golden crusted grilled cheese sandwich? There's even a Baltimore based restaurant chain dedicated to the joys of every mom's fall back dinner special.

With a big flavor boost from homemade lightly herbed bread sliced thick, the classic grilled cheese sandwich is still the perfect partner for a bowl of homemade tomato soup. Both recipes below are easy and delish.

HERBED GRILLED CHEESE BREAD
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon finely grated cheddar
1 teaspoons fresh ground sea salt
1/2 teaspoon dried winter savory (or oregano)
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon very warm tap water
1 quarter ounce package quick rise dry yeast
1 teaspoon honey

Combine flour, milk powder, cheese, salt and herbs in food processor with a dough blade attachment. In a small bowl mix warm water honey and dry yeast. Allow yeast mix to sit 3-5 minutes.

Using 1 tablespoon oil, grease a large bowl, set aside.

Add yeast mix to flour in processor and pulse ingredients to moisten well. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Continue to pulse mixture until it forms a soft dough, about five minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm draft free spot 55-60 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Punch down dough. Form into a loaf shape and place in a well greased 8.5 X 4 inch loaf pan. Let rise in a warm drafty free spot until loaf rises about 1 inch over the pan (about 30-45 minutes). Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. The crust should be a golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

CLASSIC GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH                                                           
4 slices bread
4 slices American cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil

In a small bowl, mix olive oil and melted butter. Place two slices of cheese on two bread slices, top with remaining bread slices. Lightly brush outside of each sandwich with oil-butter mixture. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until crust is golden and cheese is melted. Makes two sandwiches. Enjoy!

Comments

  1. TinkyJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I'm not a fan of American cheese--but I'm on board with everything else here! The bread in particular sounds perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Best Wishes, MarieFebruary 7, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    sorry i have been gone. i went off and had the time of my life, but i am back and will catch up soon with all these great recipes !!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Holyoke HomeFebruary 13, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Heaven in a pan!

    I'm an 'aged cheddar' gal myself, but I'd still take that sandwich!

    ReplyDelete

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