ATK Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

 NOTES

1. Use an aged sharp cheddar cheese (not more than 1-2 years), not necessarily a cheddar that melts well. Tillamook has a good flavor that goes well with the wine and Brie. Take the cheddar out 1-2 hours ahead of time so it can get to room temperature, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds..

2. The sandwiches seem to heat and brown differently on an electric vs gas stove, whether based on temperature or time needed.

3. Consider adding more wine to the cheese mixture to make it smoother.

4. Follow the amount of cheese mixture per sandwich that the recipe calls for.

5. The 5-minute no-knead bread is a nice bread for these sandwiches.

6. Consider making the cheese mixture and/or mustard butter ahead of time. You can keep the cheese mixture for a week in the fridge.

7. The recipe uses a food processor.

8. The cheese mixture is enough for 4-6 sandwiches, depending on the size of the sliced bread and amount of smear used per sandwich.

9. You can keep the cheese mixture for a week in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS 

Hearty white bread, 2 slices per sandwich

7 oz aged cheddar (see Notes)

2 oz Brie (rind removed)

2 Tbl dry white wine, like Chardonnay 

4 tsp shallot

3 Tbl unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp Dijon mustard

PREPARATION

1. Cut the cheese into 24 equal pieces; mince the shallot.

2. Mix the softened butter and dijon mustard well.

3. Add the cheddar, brie, and wine to the food processor until a smooth paste is formed, about 20-30 seconds. Use more wine to smooth it. Add the minced shallot and pulse 3-5 more times to integrate it into the spread.

4. Working on parchment paper–lined counter, spread mustard butter evenly over 1 side of slices of bread. Flip 4 slices of bread over and spread cheese mixture evenly over slices. Make sure each one is thick. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered sides up. 

5. Preheat a non-stick pan on medium for about two minutes. Droplets of water should just sizzle when you spray it on there. 

6. Place two sandwiches in the pan and turn the heat down to medium low. Cook the first side for up to 5 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese mixture begins to melt. Turn over and cook until the other side is golden brown. 

7. Let the sandwiches rest for two minutes before serving.

Enjoy!