The Best Grilled Cheese

I've always liked a simple grilled cheese every now and then, because it takes me back to my childhood afternoons spent with friends.  It's also the perfect comfort food which is what I crave at this time of year.  So I was more than excited when I found a delicious-sounding recipe on one of my favorite visual food blogs, The Kitchy Kitchen.  You definitely have to check out Claire's blog, if not for the amazing recipes then for the beautiful pictures and videos she creates.  But heed my advice- never, ever watch them on a hungry stomach.  You have been warned.  That being said, of course I did just that and found myself drooling over her goat gouda with mustard apple salad recipe.  

Sadly, there was no gouda in my fridge so I headed over to my nearest grocery store and bought a simple gouda cheese.  (I don't think it was goat gouda as the recipe calls for.)  No worries, I followed everything else and it was by far the best grilled cheese ever.  Seriously.  I invite you to see for yourself.

This sandwich is the perfect dinner on a cold evening when you're feeling a little lazy.  If you want to make it a little more formal- just throw in a glass of red wine and then you'll really be in heaven.  

Recipe- courtesy of Claire Thomas' The Kitchy Kitchen, slightly tweaked

(serves one)  

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread

1 pink lady apple, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

1 teaspoon finely chopped shallot

1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley

4 slices gouda (or really as much cheese as you like!)

butter

Directions

Toss the apple slices, mustard, shallot, and parsley in a bowl.  Add some salt and pepper to taste.  Place half the cheese on the bottom of one slice, then carefully place the apple mixture on top, finally adding the remaining cheese.  Butter the bread, then place it butter-side down in a skillet pan on medium high heat.  I used a small pot weighted-down with water as a makeshift panini press to flatten it down a bit.  Once the cheese has started to melt and the bottom piece of bread is starting to brown, butter the top slice, then flip and wait for the other side to brown.  The whole thing should take about 3 minutes, just be careful you don't burn the bread.  Slice in half and enjoy.