Melt : 100 amazing adventures in grilled cheese

183 Pages·2012·2.79 MB·English

by  Kearns

Dedication
For my mother … it’s as simple as that.
Acknowledgments
Everyone remembers the first time they sank their teeth into a toasted
white bread traditional grilled cheese. This experience is enhanced by
the memory of this grilled cheese cooked with love by their mother or
grandmother. It is a memory that I have cherished of my Nanny and
mom. It is a memory that has moved me to create this cookbook and to
share my passion for a grilled cheese sandwich with the world.
There are many people I would like to acknowledge for making this
cookbook a reality. My family, first and foremost, was truly there for me
during the entire process. My father was always there with an empty
stomach and a knife and fork, willing to taste any sandwich I created.
My sister Jaime and brother-in-law Adam answered my business
questions and always took an interest. My two nephews, Nathan and
Andrew, provided me with inspiration to create two grilled cheese
sandwiches based on their favorite meals. Nate inspired “Stuffed French
Toast,” also known as French Toast Cookies, while Drew’s recent
diagnosis of Celiac disease and new diet drove me to create “The Snack
Time,” or Drewliscious.
Located in small-town Ohio, my great-aunt Betty, surprised by most of
the ingredients included in this cookbook, always asked, “What
sandwich are you creating today?”
Occasionally, as I was cooking, I would run out of an ingredient.
Thankfully, my neighbors, Susan and Roger, were there to lend a helping
hand with extras from their pantry.
Without the understanding of my boss, Kori, I would not have had the
opportunity to enjoy the creation of this book. Thank you.
Ingredients mentioned in this book were purchased at local mainstays
Miles Farmers Market and Heinen’s as well as Whole Foods Market and
Giant Eagle. The Cheese Lady from Miles and Cheesemonger Jason, from
Whole Foods, were instrumental with creative suggestions.
Finally, I must thank my good friend Kyle for creating the moniker
“GrilledShane.” Without his quick creativity, I might still be trying to
develop my grilled cheese identity.
Contents
Introduction
How to Rock a Reimagined Grilled Cheese
Part 1
Seriously Savory Sandwiches
Chapter 1
Gastronomically Gourmet
Balsamic Basil
Basil Peppercorn
Pistachio and Beets
Classic Meatballs Marinara
Fusion Salmon Piccata
Ahi Tuna Steak Melt
Curried Egg Salad
The Updated Caprese
Soup-less French Onion
The Mediterranean
Prosciutto and Arugula
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cheddar
Crème Fraîche with Apple and Cucumber
The Blue Potato
Quinoa Black Bean
The Sunday Brunch
Sunflower Gouda Griller
White Wine and Mushrooms
BBQ Chickpeas
Roasted Garlic Tomato Aioli
Ciliegine with Lime Vinaigrette
The Spicy Soy
Tillamook Cheddar and Baby Bok Choy
Cayenne Cornbread
The Fried Egg
The Bacon Filet
Salmon Croquettes with Dill
Asparagus and Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette
Homemade Salsa
Chapter 2
Living on the Edge
The Deconstructed
Sweet and Spicy Popcorn
Veggies and Dip
The Unusual Reuben
Fish ’N Chips
Sea Salt Hummus
Green Tea Tofu
The Ramen
The Beer, Kale, and Crouton Mash-Up
The Wedgie
Risotto
The Double Decker
Broccoli Alfredo
Stuffed Mushrooms
Oh! Rings
Farfalle Pesto Grilled Cheese
Stuffed Chips
Inside-Out Blue Cheese Pecan
The Savory Waffle
Ultimate Cheesy Fries
Pretzel Baked Beans
The Scrambled Spanakopita
The Pizza Volcano
Boneless Buffalo Wings
The Hashbrown
Fried Matzoh with Horseradish Mayo
Garlic and Green Onion Mashed Potato
The Potato Pancake
The Spicy Dubliner
Mini-Eggplant Sliders
Big Game Nachos and Cheese
Part 2
Surprisingly Sweet Stacks
Chapter 3
Epicurean Adventures
The Nutella
Harvest Fest
Honey Roasted PB & J
Squash with Apple Butter
Marinated Berries
Coconut Peach
Kicked-Up Mint
The Tropical
Currant Jam
Walnut Pomegranate
Apple Pie
Pineapple Brown Butter
Cinnamon Kiwi
Carrot Cake
Boston Cream Pie
The Granola Bar
Sweet Grapes and Brie
Chocolate Mascarpone and Strawberry
Strawberry-Mango
Chapter 4
Experimental Territory
Dessert Waffles
Cheerios and Honey
Stuffed French Toast
The Candied Baconator
Rice Krispies Treats
Coffee Sponge Cake
The S’more
Chocolate Brownie Indulgence
Crème de Menthe
Noodle Pudding
The Cinnamon Roll
Cookie Cheesecake
Mascarpone Pound Cake
Cherries Jubilee
Amaretto Rhubarb
The Snack Time
Crunchy Chocolate Peanut
The Twisted Parfait
Sea Salt Caramel
Pumpkin Pie
The Candy Cane
Appendix
Suitable Substitutions