In the Kitchen: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Chef Heide Lang from The Fig Cooking School ( www.figcookingschool.com ) is back in the kitchen preparing a really simple but hearty and delicious sandwich, perfect with your favorite winter soup.

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

4 slices of good quality country white or sourdough bread

2 ounces pancetta (4 slices) sliced medium thickness

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Baby arugula

3-4 ounces Gruyere cheese sliced 1/8 inch thick

2 tablespoon canola oil

8 1/8 inch thick slices firm but ripe tomatoes

Whole grain mustard to taste (optional)

 

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place pancetta in a small skillet and cook on medium-high heat until crispy.

Remove from heat and place pancetta on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Set aside.

Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.

Place two of the slices butter side down.

Top each with two pancetta slices, arugula and cheese slices.

Top with remaining two bread slices buttered side up.

Heat canola oil in a heavy 10-12 inch ovenproof skillet over medium high heat.

Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden on the bottom, about 4 minutes.

Turn sandwich over and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until golden and cheese melts, about 4-5 minutes.

Remove from skillet and carefully remove tops of sandwiches. Add tomatoes, a thin layer of mustard (optional) and season with salt and pepper.

Place bread back on top and serve immediately.

Note: for this and other winter recipes, go to Fig’s food blog, The Fig Test Kitchen at www.figtestkitchen.com where you will find dozens of other great recipes as well.