When I was younger food was a source of comfort and nourishment, if it tasted good that was a bonus. My tastes were limited and I spent years avoiding foods I love today.
As I have aged my tastes and my waist have greatly expanded. I have also become interested in recreating my own epicurean delights. Unfortunately my variety of ingredients was not too varied in Iowa.
Last year we moved from our small city to a fairly good sized city, the Kansas City Metro. Suddenly there were specialty grocery stores and tons of ethnic and gourmet restaurants to visit and try.
Cooking shows like Masterchef and Iron Chef introduced me to new and exciting ingredients and culinary delights. Being so close to such a wide variety of ingredients allow me the ability to experiment.
This leads me to my first, simple upgraded recipe: Apple, Burbon Bacon Jam grilled cheese sandwich.
I don't believe in keeping specialty bread around because I'm the only one who eats it.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread. (Be creative, try different types. Mine is just Sara Lee white bread.)
- 1 apple ( I used what I had on hand, Pink Lady. I can't wait until Johnathan apples are available to try them on this sandwich.)
- Burbon Bacon Jam ( I used Terrapin Ridge Farms Burbon Bacon Jam.)
- 2 slices Provolone cheese (Sharp Cheddar is my next choice.)
To make:
So this is super easy.
1. I cleaned and thinly sliced the apple. I then placed the slices in the microwave for 45 seconds to start to cook them. ( You can also fry in a pan with a little butter to keep them from sticking.)
2. I butter a piece of bread and place it butter side down in a frying pan. I then place two pieces of cheese on top of it. I spread the jam on top of the cheese and layer as many slices of precooked apple on top of the jam. I finally place the other slice of bread on top of the other ingredients and butter the top side.
3. I turn on the stove and slowly brown each side of bread. I carefully watch to make sure both sides of the sandwich are golden brown.
4. Eat and enjoy.
Thus we come to the conclusion of my first, simple blog.
