Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

I don't always have the time or energy to prepare an exciting new dish for dinner, and sometimes, have to rely on the basics. One thing I've learned from articles and books written by fellow foodies is that even when you're short on inspiration and are just dying to quickly fix something up, its important to try to make whatever you're preparing special. That can sound overwhelming, but when you think about it, sprucing up a boring turkey sandwich can really be rewarding and leave you physically and mentally satisfied.

Here is my rendition of a grilled cheese. I add turkey and honey mustard, but you could use any type of deli meat or variation of mustard (or any other condiment, really).

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

2 slices San Francisco sour dough bread
3-4 ounces maple glazed turkey, thinly sliced
1 slice pepper jack cheese
1 tbsp spreadable butter
1 tbsp honey mustard
PAM

1. Spray a fry pan with PAM. Heat the pan at medium-low.
2. Butter one side of each piece of bread.
3. Place one piece of bread, butter side down, on the fry pan. Top with honey mustard, cheese and turkey. Place the other piece of bread on top, butter side up.
4. Turn the sandwich over ever three minutes or so (about four times), until the cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Sometimes I cover the pan to keep the heat in and melt the cheese faster.

Tip- What's important to take away from this "recipe" is not really the ingredients, but the idea that adding a couple more "grown-up" elements can really change your sandwich. Instead of buying boring white bread, spring for a fresh baked loaf and ask the baker to slice it for you. After a couple of days, throw what you haven't used in the freezer (in a freezer-safe bag), it defrosts in just a few minutes and is so tasty! Buy a block of pepper jack, hot pepper, or white cheddar cheese, instead of slices of American. A good cheese can add a great deal of flavor to a dish. Finally, having a good jar of mustard is never a bad idea! There is quite a variety out there- I love Boars Head! Be pickier about what you buy; buying higher quality ingredients goes a long way! You'll end up eating less because you will feel fulfilled and as if you ate something gourmet!