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Grilled Cheese Sophistiqué

 

Even grown-ups still love kid-favorites like mac & cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese.  The grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate kid "dinner" and I must admit that even I (a self-proclaimed grown-up) enjoy a delicious, gooey, grilled cheese sandwich every now and then.  This version, the Grilled Cheese Sophistiqué (or Sophisticated Grilled Cheese), is a version completely for grown-ups - complete with a crunchy, Parmesan crust.  The flavor combination is complex, to say the least.  This is a sandwich that seems complicated, but is actually quite easy.  You won't be sorry you tried this one, I promise!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 2 slices of potato bread
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons apricot preserves
• 2 slices Muenster cheese
• 1/2 cup baby arugula

Pan Insert to Use:  Base Unit

Servings:  1

Directions:
1. Preheat grill. If using the Xpress Platinum, preheat at setting 2.
2. Spritz pan insert with non-stick spray.
3. Spread Parmesan cheese onto a large plate and pour olive oil into a small bowl.
4. Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil and then press each into the Parmesan, coating completely.

5. Place bread slices Parmesan-side-down onto a sheet of wax paper.  Spread one slice with the Dijon mustard, and spread the other slice with the apricot preserves.
6. Place 1 slice of Muenster cheese onto the slice with the preserves.  Cover with the baby arugula.

7. Place the second slice of Muenster on top of the arugula, and top with the second slice of bread, Parmesan facing up.

8. Place the sandwich into the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.



Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are awesome, but sometimes you may not want the carbs that come along with them.  My mom made stuffed peppers about twice a month or so growing up, and they were always carb-laden because they were crammed full of rice.  Don't get me wrong, they are delicious!  But I wanted a way to cut the carbs down and make them into a side dish or a even a healthy lunch.  I've heard of people stuffing their peppers with just cheese, but I need a little more flavor than that.  These peppers were my result.  And let me just say - this is the most delicious way I've ever eaten a pepper.  I could easily eat these every single day!  Note: Even though this recipe calls for mini sweet peppers, other small-sized peppers could easily be substituted - such as serrano or jalapeno.

Ingredients:

• 5 mini sweet peppers, red or orange (or both)
• 4 string cheese snacks
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Pan Insert to Use:  Full Round Pan or Divider Pan

Servings:  1-2

Directions:
1. Preheat grill. If using the Xpress Platinum, preheat at setting 2.
2. Spritz pan insert with non-stick spray.
3. Cut stems off of mini peppers and slice lengthwise.  Remove seeds.

 

 

4.  Stuff mini peppers with the string cheese.  You may have to cut the string cheese to fit properly.

5.  Sprinkle peppers evenly with the garlic salt, onion powder, and white pepper.

 

 

6.  Place 3 peppers into the grill (slit facing up), close lid, and cook for about 15 minutes.  Repeat with remaining 2 peppers.  If your peppers are extra small, you might be able to fit them all in at once.