BS: Grilled cheese sandwich

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 14 - 05:55 AM

Yep, I reckon Jarlsberg Fondue would work.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 17 Dec 14 - 03:49 PM

what I haven't had in many years is fondue... with nice swiss & crusty bread... wonder how Jarlsberg would work?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 14 - 01:37 PM

Venetian, of course. Apologies.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 14 - 01:35 PM

I tend to go for the 'Harry's Bar' Venitian reciepe:

Ingredients

250g Fontina, or Gruyère, or other melting cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 dried red chilli or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 egg yolk
3 tbsp double cream
Sea salt
12 slices sourdough bread
6 slices prosciutto
Olive oil


▶ Cut the cheese into small dice and put into a bowl in a warm place for 30 minutes. Mix the mustard with the Worcestershire sauce, and add the chilli or cayenne and the egg yolk. Put the cheese into a food processor and add the cream. Pulse-blend for a few seconds, then stir in the mustard mixture. You should have a smooth thick sauce that will spread easily. Season with sea salt.

▶ Trim the crusts off the bread and spread the cheese mixture over one side of each slice. Lay the prosciutto or speck over six slices and cover with the remaining slices, cheese side down. Press sandwiches together firmly and cut each one into three pieces.

▶ Heat a large frying pan. Pour in enough oil to cover the surface. When the oil is smoking, add as many sandwiches as will fit. Fry for about 3–4 minutes, until light brown and crisp, then turn over and fry the other side. Drain on kitchen paper. Repeat until all the sandwiches are cooked.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 17 Dec 14 - 03:30 AM

I use very sharp cheddar,then I add bacon and fried egg! Very tasty.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,#
Date: 16 Dec 14 - 04:54 PM

You are so right, Dan. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: olddude
Date: 16 Dec 14 - 04:43 PM

One word velveeta

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 16 Dec 14 - 06:08 AM

Whilst re-reading this article, I was reminded of this thread:

How to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich

albeit from a British perspective.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 09:32 AM

my father-in-law (who did not serve in the military) is the only one I ever knew who actually liked chipped beef. :) he could get it at the local diner along with the runniest sunny side up eggs I ever saw. lol

What we all liked was sausage gravy over hash browns or homefries... or toast rather than bisquits.

instead of grilled cheese we ended up finishing the angel hair pasta with thick, tasty sausage & zuchinni, etc. tomato sauce. I guess with enough grated cheese, it came close... LOL

who am I kidding?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 05:29 PM

That's right - also chipped beef. My mother's version was tuna. We didn't care for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 01:51 PM

SOS... chipped beef creamed and on toast... navy fare

chicken on a raft - check out the Cyril Tawney song... another navy dish

post Thanksgiving feast... how many ways to re-serve turkey etc. lol

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 01:39 PM

To move the thread upward again (SOS is a creamed gravy with tuna over a piece of toast, or at least it was when I was a kid) I'd wax nostalgic for a hot open face turkey sandwich. I make it with homemade bread, warm slices of breast (or whatever is available and fits on the bread, leftover from a holiday turkey), topped with a turkey gravy. Looks deceptively bland, but is a magical way to harden one's arteries. First time my children walked in and saw me eating one they made faces and I heard "ewwww!" but I gave each one a bite and they nearly snatched the plate from the table in front of me to gobble down the rest. Now, my son would as soon skip the turkey and cranberry stage and go straight to the open face turkey sandwich at Thanksgiving. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 08:49 AM

I knew you'd miss it - shit on a shingle, chicken on a raft...

I understand those terms. Can you elucidate exactly what I've missed, please?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 08:44 AM

I knew you'd miss it - shit on a shingle, chicken on a raft...

It may be Safeways explains why the US has neither decent beer nor cheese, both need some bugs in the environment.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 07:21 AM

It's not too cold here yet in Northern England, but when it is..

Mind you, it'll be Heinz rather than Campbell's which Americans seem to prefer.

It'll also be a Welsh Rarebit rather than the grilled cheese sandwich, but the idea is pretty much the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: sciencegeek
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 04:16 AM

it's been a cold, wet, breezy weekend... looked at the garden and the chives are doing well...

dinner tonight... grilled cheese & tomato soup with a sprinkling of chives... that should do the trick!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 03:46 PM

mg, glad you were about to find a work-around to enjoy one of life's little pleasures... :)

btw... been listening to Bob Webb's Band Troller CD driving in to work. he did such a great job on Bank Troller and the rest... when I listen I can just picture him singing once more...

and I listen without only a few tears... good idea when driving...

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 03:39 PM

thanks..i had my usual no carb stir fry..should say no starch..but the sandwich was great.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 02:56 PM

so mg... have a small hamburger waiting in case you need it... :)

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 02:52 PM

Anyone here made a GCS variation out of those triangular buns at Costco? I may try, as they seem to have potential, with texture and even with shape:)

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 02:32 PM

you know..I don't eat bread usually but I think I will take a piece of great white bread we have in the ref at work and some tillamook pepper jack and some darigold butter and make half a one. just for the sake of scholarship. tillamook cheese is really great. i prefer it to couger gold...and their ice cream is the best chocolate i think.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Claire M
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 02:20 PM

Hiya! Love that pouring cheese. I'd rather have a cheese toastie than a normal cheese sandwich. find lots of sandwiches too dry but could quite happily live on cheese toasties; maybe w/ some dried onions. & I'd hope there weren't those horrible white bits on the ham.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 01:09 PM

I get good results by wrapping cheese in waxed paper and keeping the wrapped block in a quart-size plastic bag. Sometimes a little mold forms, but it's easy to cut off.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 04 Sep 14 - 08:57 AM

while I enjoy a nice slice of ripe tomato - beefsteak variety is preferable- the true joy of a grilled cheese sandwich is that the cheese completely melts while the bread has a crispy crunch but is still soft and chewy so that each bite is a complex blend of flavor and texture.

The tomato soup rounds out the experience by being smooth with a blend of sweetness and acidity so that you are torn between alternating from sandwich to soup, or just go whole hog and dunk your sandwich into the soup... LOL

yup... probably as close as I will ever come to a religious experience :D

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 09:32 PM

I ain't gonna let any of this technical talk get in the way of my enjoyment of a grilled cheese sandwich.

What to my wondering eyes should appear, in today's paper, is news that a grilled cheese and tomato soup chain will be coming to the local fair city of Carrboro. Specific location as yet undisclosed. Tom+Chee, out of Cincinnati, Ohio. What will be next? White Tower Burger joints? Cincinnati based 1-5 way Chili joints?

Southern Culture on the Skids?

Are we being haunted by Spaw?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 09:09 PM

"Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese." 
― G.K. Chesterton

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 08:53 PM

What I did was use the can to store the Cougar Gold cheese - I removed it from the can, put in a layer of plastic wrap, then put the cheese back in the can. As it happens there is a standard sized Tupperware bowl lid that perfectly fits onto the can, so I used that in the fridge with the plastic extended beyond that upper rim.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 07:39 PM

From the Washington State University website- FAQ
"In the 1930s the Creamery became interested in different ways to store cheese. Cans seemed the best option as plastic packaging materials had not been invented and wax packaging sometimes cracked., leading to contamination.
Cougar cheeses should be stored under refrigeration....may be transported at temperatures under 70F and should be refrigerated upon arrival.
Once opened do NOT store the cheese in the can as the opened lip will rust and/or a black film will develop....
Remove cheese from the can and store in an airtight container. ...recommend cutting into smaller pieces and individually wrapping in plastic wrap.
...freezing endangers the quality. ....left out of refrigeration too long....most likely there will be a change in the texture of the cheese and moisture (whey) may be forced out of the cheese.

As long as the cheese is unopened and refrigerated it will last indefinitely. An unopened can of cheese becomes more flavorful, sharp, dry and crumbly with age.
Smoked cheese will become bitter....
"We know of customers who have stored their Cougar Gold for over 30 years."

http://creamery.wsu.edu/cougar-cheese/faqs/
(A lot more there.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:51 PM

An answer on tge eggs, not culture, salmonella on washed eggs from large egg producers.

on keeping eggs cool 

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:16 PM

True story (which I probably already told somewhere): I did food inspection for the Air Force. Eggs had to be below 60° when delivered. For a while, we got in eggs that were above 60°, and had no choice but to reject the shipments. Checking the time the USDA inspector had inspected them, it was obvious the eggs were so fresh, they hadn't had time to chill. Eventually, we got this worked out, but there was a bit of "sheesh, this is stupid" involved for a little while.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:15 PM

Ed, if your anchivies do not say they should be refridgerated, I suspect they must be heat retorted. If they werent, and are not very high in brine content, I suspect they could present a potentially serious health issue.

Food safety folks even require salt cod must be refridgerated in super markets where I live. Years ago this product could be stored in the direct heat.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:08 PM

I suspect with eggs it may be a shelf life/quality issue, not food safety?
Many eggs come from huge factory farms in NA, and there could be related issues.
They are rarely refridgerated in farmers markets, with a small scale source.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:06 PM

I would think refrigerated eggs stay usable longer.

All of this talk of eggs and anchovies and cheese sandwiches - I'm getting hungry.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 05:45 PM

Sometimes, refrigeration is to keep bacteria in high-protein, raw foods from growing to hazardous levels. Sometimes, it's so foods last longer. I don't know what it is with the particular cheese, but you can normally store hard and partially hard cheese at room temp, and what eventually happens is it gets hairy, can break down and oxidize (which is what causes rancidity). Soft cheese can be dangerous. If the shells aren't cracked, eggs just last longer when refrigerated.

Anchovy Jello definitely sounds weird.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 05:02 PM

Anchovies are next to jello yikes ya have em

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 04:57 PM

Although the eggs are not refrigerated in the shop, the boxes often have instructions telling you to keep them in the fridge. Why would they be OK in the shop and not in my kitchen?
Well the fact is they are perfectly OK in my kitchen. I never put them in the fridge.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 04:47 PM

Thanks for that link regarding canned anchovies, Ed T.

I'm not sure if the anchovies we buy here in the UK are 'retorted' or not. What I do know is that the fillets keep their shape and don't turn to mush.

They are never kept in the 'cooler section of supermarkets', just on normal shelves.

I have a can in my cupboard that I've probably had for a year. Just had a look at it, and it doesn't suggest refrigeration on the tin, just 'keep in a dry place' It has an expiry date of Jan 2015 and I'm sure it will be fine.

I'm not sure but along with food safety, I wonder if there is some cultural thing going on here? My understanding is that in America eggs are always refrigerated in supermarkets? They never are here in England, yet we don't get food poisoning...

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 04:12 PM

Much like this Cheese, most canned anchovies are not retorted, and, thus, must be storedc chilled.
Canned anchovies are not retorted 

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 04:07 PM

couger gold 

the cheese in question-the tins seem to be a preservation method.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 04:03 PM

I am off to Wisconsin in a month or so. Now their cheddar oh yes heaven

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: gnu
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 03:58 PM

SRS... "I can't imagine that there is processing in the traditional "canned" sense or the cheese would melt to a disgusting goo (Cheez Whiz?"

My first thought too.

Cheeses... edam up!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 03:57 PM

Chemical change! It goes on constantly, but cold slows it down. It goes on in sealed as well as open conditions.

See your organic chem textbook.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 03:44 PM

Ed, perhaps you need a Secret Santa this year who will ship you a cheese. In cold weather it should be okay for a while in transit. I'm not sure how one would describe the difference, cheese in a can vs canned cheese. I can't imagine that there is processing in the traditional "canned" sense or the cheese would melt to a disgusting goo (Cheez Whiz?) And clearly shipping in hot weather isn't good for it.

The food timeline is amazing. I'll spend a lot of time reading through that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 03:07 PM

""One thing that I don't understand though is why a canned product has to be chilled? Surely the whole point of the sterilized and airtight environment of a can is in order to negate that need?""

Likely to prevent the growth of botulism. Unless a product is retorted (steam heated to kill all bacteria), there is a possibly of anaerobic bacterial growth. Fortunately, few products and surfaces, in food preparation, are certified sterile from a food preservation perspective.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 02:34 PM

There are places in the U. S. that ship cheese chilled during warm weather.

Chilling, regardless of seals, delays chemical change.
I always keep Edam (balls with the red seal) in the fridge (and any other cheese, regardless of seal).

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 02:12 PM

Thanks for the the clarification regarding Cougar Gold and canning, Q and SRS.

One thing that I don't understand though is why a canned product has to be chilled? Surely the whole point of the sterilized and airtight environment of a can is in order to negate that need?

I'm curious about the cheese and would love to try it. A quick search suggests that it isn't exported though :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:51 PM

ED, that timeline mentions its use by Navy Cooks. The Army also served them in WW2 dining halls, but usually without the butter coating. I remember them well.
Also I remember "shit on a shingle," toast with a coating of various kinds, usu. Spam-like flakes in a gravy-like, sometimes cheesey mixture.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:40 PM

Oops, I was wrong, here is timeline information on a grilled cheese sandwich.

grilled cheese timeline 

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:35 PM

Food timeline 

I dont see much about cheese in this food timeline site. But, I will share it in case anyone has a food history interest.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:33 PM

I've had several varieties of the Cougar Gold, and they are all excellent. Yes, I found the can itself a bit off-putting at first - but once you open it and get a taste of that sharp cheddar, you'll be hooked. Last time I checked a #3 can is about $18. $6 a pound for good cheese isn't a bad price. Order it in cool weather or they'll pack it with stuff for cold shipping.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:24 PM

Amish here make some outstanding cheese..

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:15 PM

Ed- Cougar Gold is the only canned cheese I know about.
It is packed that way so it can be shipped anywhere, and will keep if refrigerated for several years. The cheese and the canning method both originated in the Food Dept. of Washington State University.
It is an expensive cheese, carefully made and aged, with superb rich sharp flavor. No coloring or additives.

Edam cheese in wheels and balls, finished off in their characteristic red waxy coating, is comparable, the wax performing much the same function, but the cheese hardens over time. The wax keeps it without spoiling for a long time, performing the same function as the can. Edam was and is a world-wide favorite because of these keeping qualities.

There are other fine cheeses with preservative coatings. Some, like the excellent French Roquefort, are wrapped in foil. I don't know about foils keeping qualities. Also used on some better Swiss cheese.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 12:23 PM

At home I usually toast the bread on one side so that the inner bit is toasted before putting thin slices of cheddar and fine slices or chopped onion as the filling. Red onion for me gives it a slightly sweet taste which I quite like. I don't usually have toasted sandwiches when I am out on the basis that it is something I could do at home for the fraction of the price but thought I would try one for a treat in a Costa Coffee shop rather than spend on a cake. They do very tasty ones with a layer of toasted cheese on top which is very nice and looks appetising, one in particular has sausage, tomato and red onion which goes very well together as a filling. I have just bought a toasted sandwich maker and really happy that I can make a quick snack but I would like to experiment with sweet fillings or fruit for a change but would the sandwiches hold together as the cheese version?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 11:29 AM

cheese in a can??? other than junk food or restaurant supply and that is more as a dip or sauce, I've not seen that.

it's been a while since I've seen wheels of cheese, but it's usually sold in chunk, sliced or shredded and/or grated forms. Soft cheeses wrapped in foil and firm cheese in plastic wrap.

Never heard of Cougar Gold... from out west?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 10:20 AM

Going back up the thread a bit, is selling cheese in a can peculiar to Cougar Gold, or a widespread packaging method in the US?

I've certainly never come across it in the UK.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 09:40 AM

Omelette with cheese, a little diced up hot pepper sauteed in the skillet first, all topped with home made salsa. Mmmmm!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 09:33 AM

the brand carried by Bohack - I suspect a long defunct supermarket chain- was Bordens. and yes, it was dyed yellow.. though in upstate NY you have a choice between dyed and undyed white cheddar.

and it is wonderful in a nice fluffy omelet- with the cheese oozing out. those thin dried out omelettes are not for me, so of course that is what the hubby prefers. more fool he... :)

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 10:28 PM

You have that imprinting piece right, Stilly. Until I was probably 12 years old I thought the only 2 kinds of cheese were Velveeta or USDA commodity American cheese, distributed at our schools. Strips of it served occasionally in school, for snacks, and long rectangular blocks distributed to every family at the school.

For an closed face grilled cheese sandwich, I will always emotionally prefer a white bread, and a mild, creamy cheese, on the sweetish side, fixed in a skillet, with butter. Taste buds are more eclectic, but the emotions are not.

I rarely eat or fix Mac and cheese, because I don't use or buy Velveta, but Mac and Cheese just doesn't appeal otherwise.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 08:59 PM

American is a mild cheddar that is dyed yellow, that is why I rarely buy it any more. I would rather spend a bit more and get an aged sharp blonde cheddar. But I understand your emotional ties to certain types of cheese. We imprinted on what our mother's used when we were kids waiting for lunch. Mom bought large bricks of yellow cheddar at Safeway, we rarely had Velveta so it was kind of a treat when we did get it (but I got over that once I was old enough to read labels).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 08:27 PM

Ok, listen up.

I've had some of the world's best cheeses (honorable mention to Maytag, as well as Clemson Blues!). But for a truly delicious grilled cheese, it must be American cheese. Or is that 'american'? It's a thing. But it MUST be the right brand, if you're going to judge it. Not just any waxy block.

Boar's Head isn't bad, but growing up (Sciencegeek, you might know this) it was Clearfield, v.e.r.y. thinly sliced. I am still on the hunt for a good alternative.

(Amos, cover your ears) American melts into lusciousness that is hard to describe.... Try it with a later summer tomato on toasted decent bread, slapping the cheese on to melt only slightly before adding the tomato.

And American in scrambled eggs.... nothing, nothing, NOTHING like it. And it is also NOTHING at all like Velveeta. Them's fightin' words.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:35 PM

Fresh made mayonnaise, egg and oil, is good, but the store stuff is terrible.

A touch of Dijon mustard?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:19 PM

confusion of terminology... it gets worse when terms vary by region... lol

in the states, a "flat top" griddle is often called a grill... do not ask me why... and we have "toaster ovens" with toast, broil or bake settings.

one thing for sure... DO NOT microwave your wheat bread... unless you need to resole your shoes... or ran out of skeet targets.

and where do we put pannini makers or George Foreman products? 'tis a puzzlement...

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:18 PM

No confusion - we simply have different ways of making the outside of our sandwiches crispy and melting the cheese.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:03 PM

There seems to be some confusion between 'toasters', where the bread is held vertically, and 'toasted sandwich makers', where the sandwich is held horizontally (so the beans don't slide off).

Also between grilling (heat source ABOVE the sandwich), where the top becomes crispy, and frying (heat applied from below), where the bottom becomes crispy.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 02:25 PM

Some put out larger varieties each year, but in many years, they end up with fried green tomatoes... LOL

yeah... if they don't rot before then thanks to the cold & wet...

when folks mention that they never see green tomatoes in store, hubby repsonds... "oh yes you have, they are those orange hardballs you see shipped into the supermarket." :(

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 02:14 PM

Cherry tomatoes in a warm, sheltered location are the only sure crop here in Calgary. Some put out larger varieties each year, but in many years, they end up with fried green tomatoes.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencgeek
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 11:23 AM

ummm... homegrown tomatoes...

our current location is good for cool weather crops & lousy for heat loving crops - even with all the tricks, the past 5 years have been horrible for anything other than cherry tomatoes. At least we have downhill neighbors with better micro climates & can get ours from them.

I'll admit that if I see a nice hothouse tomato I'll get it just to relieve the 9 month stretch of practically no garden.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 10:38 AM

The BLTs at my house are stand-alone meals. I make the bread, I grow the tomatoes. The rest is standard fare from the grocery store, though I've been meaning to start making mayonnaise. I only make them during the season of home-grown tomatoes so they are treated like sandwich royalty. And because the slices (bread and tomato) are generous, a sandwich is enough by itself for a meal.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 10:19 AM

ah... classic lunch time meals from childhood... especially once we were old enough to be let loose in the kitchen on our own :)

grilled cheese & tomato soup... Ann Page was our preferred brand, though my grandfather - who grew up in south Jersey where they grew tomatoes for Campbells- swore by Campbells. The favorite family story was when a strike was threatened and he would advise everyone to stock up on tomato soup just in case there was a shortage... he bought two cans. He didn't understand the laughter...

the other soup & sandwich was Lipton chicken noodle soup (salt in a box) with a BLT...

and yes, the grilled cheese was done in a skillet... with loads of butter. Mom would sometimes use the wall oven, but it seemed easier on the stove for us kids.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,gourmet paddy
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 05:03 AM

How can anyone who slathers bacon and eggs with ginourmus amounts of maple syrup can call themselves food experts is beyond me,

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:25 AM

Cheese and harissa paste toasties are my fave!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 01:20 AM

Making beans on toast in the toaster did ot work for me. I now have a modern art installation on my kitchen ceiling!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: LadyJean
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 12:26 AM

President Obama liked the pancakes at Pamela's. They're good, but I'd rather have one of their grilled cheese sandwiches.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 04:03 PM

Glengarry Fine cheese, Ontario, Canada.
That Dutchman's Farm, Nova Scotia.
A list of Canadian boutique cheese makers-
http://cheesefestival.ca/the-festival/cheesemakers

One makes water buffalo cheese. ??
------------
There are hundreds of fine cheesemakers in the U. S.
A specialty for over 100 years are blue cheeses; look for cave-aged. From Colorado, look for Midnight Blue cave-aged, from Avalanche Cheese Company, Paeonia, CO. Hard-to-get as resorts and restaurants take most of it.
American goat cheeses are served at fine resorts.

List of some of the cheese makers-
www.gourmetcheesedetective.com/American-artisanalcheeses.html

Look for them in better food stores; check for online sales as well..

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 04:01 PM

Hey - for me, the essence of grilled cheese is fast and comforting. Got bread? Got cheese that will melt? Got butter and a heat source? Got a can of soup? Cold, snowy, busy day at home with kids (from 5 to 99) - add some veggie sticks or a salad, and lunch or supper is ready! Your choice of Yahtzee, Rook or Sorry! for dessert.

Never thought about using mayo instead of butter, Dani. I'll definitely try that!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 03:50 PM

So many cheeses and wines...so little time.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 03:34 PM

Famous blue cheese developed at Iowa State University, made by Maytag Dairy Farms. Cave-aged. Buy online. Also other cheeses.

http://store.maytagdairyfarms.com.

A lot of these places with fine cheese. Search around.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 03:20 PM

TOMATO JAM -
good for burgers, salmon and grilled cheese sandwiches.

6 large ripe tomatoes (1 1/2 lb.)
1 garlic clove, chopped finely
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Salt
(Use Roma tomatoes if not tomato season)

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
The medium should boil ever so slightly but not boil.
Cook for one hour , until it has thickened and most of liquid evaporated.
Cool. Can stay in fridge for about one week.

Copied from WSU site. Recipe by Charles Dale, chef at The Encantado Resort, Santa Fe.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: EBarnacle
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 03:18 PM

This was in Woodbridge, New Jersey about 40 years ago. It was a minimum wage job but the benefits were great. Obviously, it was cutting edge at the time.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 02:44 PM

Fingers crossed my brother sends the annual holiday gift of WSU cheese (Cougar Gold - the link is above) - the state university ag programs are figuring out that they not only can teach, they can make an income with those dairy product programs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 01:48 PM

I buy Armstrong old cheddar quite often.
I recommend it- where it is available.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 01:45 PM

There are some excellent cheeses made in the U. S. in small operations.
One of the best I have had is a cheddar (the Original)from Oregon State University (Food Dept).
New, look up their Beaver Classic cheese which can be ordered online- an alpine type cheese:

http://oregonstate.edu/main/cheese

"The original" (described above), mozzarella, Hop, Swiss, and some smoked.
Information on ordering which opens Sept. 5 at-
[e-mail]

Washington State University, Cougar Gold, in cans, is superb. Can keep for 10 years unopened in the fridge.
$18. for 30 oz can. Order at cougarcheese.wsu.edu

Their classic grilled cheese sandwiches:

Makes 4-
8 slices sourdough bread
4 tablespoons butter, room temp.
12 oz cheddar cheese
6 tablespoons tomato jam

Prepare in skillet, usual way.

Recipe for tomato jam to follow_

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 01:16 PM

Good cheddar is common in Canadian markets. Balderson (Canadian) comes in 1, 2, 3 and 5 year; the latter is a bit too strong for me.

Armstrong cheeses are good value. Their cheddar blocks come in extra old, old, medium and mild (we use the two oldest, excellent value. Their extra old has no coloring.
They also make some light cheeses.
Here is the Armstrong "gourmet grilled cheese recipe:

8 slices multigrain bread
260 g Armstrong cheese, freshly grated
Olive tomato spread

Olive tomato spread:
100 grams pitted black olives
1 roasted garlic clove
8 medium semi-dry tomatoes
5 teaspoons (25 ml) olive oil
10 fresh leaves, flat-leaf parsley
1/4 zest of lemon
Combine in food processor to light, chunky texture.

Assembly-
Lightly spread butter n both sides of bread.
On the inside of one slice, coat evenly with a small amount of the tomato-olive mixture. On the same slice grate cheddar (about 65 gram)
and close the sandwich.
Place buttered sides down in a frying pan at low heat until both sides are crisp and golden brown. Cut in half and serve.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 11:14 AM

Was this a US mall? Usually the only place selling cheese (and then only seasonally) is Hickory Farms in their holiday stands out in the middle of the walkway. They have the packaged varieties, everything the same size, sampling based upon only one or two products.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: EBarnacle
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 09:36 AM

Sorry, SRS, but you are wrong. I used to work in a cheese shop in a mall, which is where I came to appreciate double Gloucester and other really good cheeses.

A good double Gloucester goes well with bacon and tomato on rye for grilled cheese, as does an aged cheddar or gruyere.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 08:53 AM

What idiot buys cheese in a mall? There is your first problem, snobbish visitor.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,gourmet paddy
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 06:55 AM

Question: what do americans know about cheese Answer: the same as they know about beer....FECK ALL.

Was in the colonys recently and they had 100 versions of cheese in the mall and not one resembled proper stuff...

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 06:08 AM

Oh. Yes. Monte Cristo!!

Tip: mayo makes an even better spread than butter (unless you like all that running down your fingers, then stick with it!).

It doesn't take much; a tablespoon is more than enough, spread thinly on both slices of bread, then grill. It becomes ONE with the bread, crispy-not-greasy. Homemade flavored even more amazing.

Dani (hungry!)

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: gnu
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 04:33 AM

Nothin fancy here. I used to use Kraft slices until I learned there was such a thing as healthy eating. Fried. Nowadays, I just toast cracked wheat bread, lay on whatever cheese I happen to have (I seldom have any), press it hard and nuke it.

When I was a was a boy, Mum would make em fun. She'd heat up the iron... yes, the one for ironing laundry... and place the sandwich in a folded piece of tin foil. I doubt it would work with the ultrathin aluminum foil of today but it was a hit with all the kids in the neighbourhood back in the day.

I wonder if George Foreman could sell grilled sandwich kits with "starter kits" including an iron.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 04:22 AM

Gee, this thread made me hungry. I went to the fridge for some Trader Joe bacon cheddar, and of course the dogs had to have their share and the cat had to have a treat, too.
I like my grilled cheese sandwiches with a slice of tomato, but lately I can't tolerate all the butter (or whatever) needed for grilling. I use the toaster oven now.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Beverly
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 03:54 AM

There is a very small restaurant in Los Angeles on Sunset Blvd. (Silverlake area of L.A) called, Heywood Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shoppe. They specialize in grilled cheese sandwiches.
However, they are EXPENSIVE! Average price is $12.00 for a grilled cheese sandwich. Does come with a small side salad and small cup of soup but is a little too expensive for me. I went in there once maybe a year ago. I had gotten off my bus one stop too soon (didn't know the area all that well) and noticed this restaurant. I was hungry & also had to use the restroom so I thought - well, I'll just pop in here and get a grilled cheese sandwich. I was thinking (before I saw the menu) that it might be around $7.00 or $8.00 (as it is kind of become a trendy hipster area in recent years.
I was shocked to see $12.00 for lunch (did not include a beverage)
OK, so since I was there and hungry I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich and ran to the restroom before my order was ready. :-)
Most restaurants frown on people just coming in to use the restroom without dining there in Los Angeles.
I have to admit the sandwich was really good! Wonderful cheese they use - but just too expensive for me to go back again.   
I think they are online & show their menu. Too bad they are so expensive though. That is not typical though for the price of a grilled cheese sandwich. You can find it for 1/2 that price or less at a regular coffee shop restaurant (in a less trendy area.)
But since this is a specialty place for grilled cheese their prices are much higher I guess.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 04:16 PM

Nigel, I wouldn't turn them down!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 02:49 PM

I'm a very fussy eater (no greens) & was looking at a possible up-market pub lunch, but the menu outside seemed devoid of anything I'd fancy. Then I realised that a Croque Monsieur is actually a cheese & ham toastie!
Apparently, if you add an egg on top (either poached or fried) it changes gender & becomes a Croque Madame.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,Claire M
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 02:43 PM

Hiya! Waitrose do a stunning cheese & ham toastie, w/ cheese on the outside of the bread & green bits. So does the café nr my CPAP clinic. So does Mum. I love dried onions. I'd go a long way for a toastie

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 01:54 PM

Yeh, skillet grilled - just like Mom used to do. Was a favorite of my son also. Like you, Jeri, he doesn't like tomato soup.


For open-faced, broiled cheese sandwiches, I like either cheddar or Colby, broiled with a slice of tomato sprinkled with basil, garlic powder, a spritz of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

I'm hungry!

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,#
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 01:19 PM

Great sauce with a grilled cheese.

For those who like hot sauces.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 01:10 PM

TRy mixing cheeses. Cheddar and Brie work well, as do cheddar and parmesan. For a bit of a kick, try a bit of hot sauce on the cheese before grillin.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:41 PM

The cheese I linked to is aged enough that it has those little cheese crystal things that make your tongue so happy.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:28 PM

I like cheddar, but find many, but not all, of the grocery store varieties (like Cracker Barell) to be spongy and waxy, much like processed cheese slices. I avoid those brands. I prefer crumbly, extra old.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,DrSpooner
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:27 PM

Served after cooling: Chilled grease sandwich

I'll get me hat :}

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:13 PM

A sandwich with two pieces of bread grilled in the skillet, yes. But open face works best under the broiler. Less bread, no butter, slightly virtuous for those on low-carb diets. Mostly because it's delicious and you can get a lot of cheese on top of that piece of toast.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 11:57 AM

I never liked Campbell's tomato soup. Just gimme the grilled cheese. YOU may toast the bread, but I like it grilled in a skillet, with some butter. My mom used to make them with Cheddar, they're good with American (yeah, it's not "real" cheese) or Velveeta. Basically cheese on grilled bread. My biggest problem is that when I buy the cheese and the bread, I have to use them up before they aren't edible, so I haven't had any for a while. Not in danger of starving...

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 11:55 AM

Agreed, grilled cheese sandwich with Tomato-basil soup.
Well-buttered, good cheddar.

Variation- Monte Cristo style; after toasting, coat in in well-beaten egg and quickly fry until the egg coats the sandwich.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 11:41 AM

The French variant is to put the sarnie under the soup, in their case onion soup.
We wouldn't be British if we didn't suggest some malt extract in it too, a knifetip in the marmite.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 11:26 AM

Agreed, Janie. Grilled cheese and cream of tomato (we always had Campbells) soup was a classic comfort food lunch when I was a child.

I make bread with 4 cups of flour - 3 bread flour and 1 cup whole wheat. I toast a slice lightly then cover it with fairly thick slices of a good blond sharp cheddar (Cougar Gold is a fabulous variety from the Ag folks at Washington State University). This open face sandwich goes under the broiler till it is bubbly.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 11:15 AM

If we're including toasted sandwiches, my favourite, using a proprietary brand sandwich toaster is cheese bean & ham.
Butter (or margarine) the bread on what will be the outside of the sandwich.
Place the first (bottom) two slices in the toaster. (mine makes two at once)
Mould the bread into the depressions in the toaster and put (Heinz) baked beans into the hollows provided.
Add slices of cheese to completely cover the beans, and provide a seal to keep the beans in.
Add sliced ham, then the top slices of bread.
Close the toaster, allow about 5 minutes, open & serve.
Watch out, the beans tend to retain heat much better than any other part of the sandwich.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Janie
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:42 AM

Grilled cheese and tomato soup - the ultimate comfort food associated with childhood memories and nurturing Momma. I don't tolerate many variations well, simply because of the associations. I did eventually move on to American or cheddar cheese from Velveeta, and good bread - sourdough or whole wheat or both rather than "Wonder Bread" but beyond those changes, I still cling to the memories. In summer when vine ripe, flavorful tomatoes are available, I add a slice of tomato if I have one on-hand. Otherwise, I want good and too highly buttered, unadulterated, grilled cheese 'sammich' with tomato soup/bisque. Not particular about the tomato bisque.

I occasionally love food that takes me back to being a child again. Mac and cheese doesn't do that for me. Grilled cheese and tomato bisque definitely does.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: olddude
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 12:24 AM

I love the things with a home made tomato soup

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 10:39 PM

Yes, tomato soup goes very well with GCS, yummy.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 10:29 PM

Thanks for the link, Ed. I like the sound of the grilled cheese sammich (GCS) with thin slices of apple.

To me the best way to enhance a GCS is to have a bowl of tomato soup sprinkled with basil.

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 09:32 PM

:) yes goid ones, yuz have nany?

Subject: RE: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: GUEST,goid ones
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 09:27 PM

goid ones???

Subject: BS: Grilled cheese sandwich
From: Ed T
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 09:10 PM

I like grilled cheese sandwiches. Below are a few new ideas, on the old standard.
Do you have any unique goid ones you have tried to suggest?

40 grilled cheese sandwiches 

beer soaked grilled cheese