Showing posts with label Lunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lunch. Show all posts

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Beer Grilled Cheese Sammies

This screams superbowl comfort food with a grown up twist!



I love homemade bread! Beer bread is easy & really takes this family favorite to a new level.  Cut into squares for a finger food for your next tailgating party.  Trust me its a total crowd pleaser! Serve it with the BLT salad. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! :)

 Makes 2 (extra bread leftover)


INGREDIENTS:

Beer Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup sugar

One 12-ounce can or bottle of beer (I use whatever I have on hand – so use your fav)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Caramelized Onions

1 tbsp evoo

1 white onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

Dress your Sammy

2-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard* (optional) I Sometimes use my *Lemon Basil Aioli for variation

4 ounces Colby cheese

1 tbsp salted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

Make the beer bread:

Preheat oven to 350°F & Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Pour in beer, stir until a stiff batter is formed. Best to just mix dough with your hands. Scrape dough into prepared loaf pan. Melt butter & spread evenly across top of dough. (Makes it golden and crusty!)

Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.

NOTE : You can also find Beer Bread in a box mix (Tastefully Simple) makes this even easier.

Caramelize the onions:

Heat evoo in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions to pan. Sauté onions until they begin to wilt, then add a pinch of salt and pepper, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook covered until onions become soft and caramelized (about 40 minutes). Add more Worcestershire sauce to taste if you like.

Sear your Sammy

Preheat the flat griddle or skillet to medium-high heat.

For each sandwich: Spread a little Dijon mustard (or variation) inside one slice of beer bread. Layer on half of the cheese and onions and close the sandwich with a second slice of beer bread. Brush a little melted butter on top.

Sear for on each side till golden brown & until the cheese is melted. Carefully cut the sandwich in half, serve immediately & enjoy!


TIP - If serving for a crowd.

Cut these into quarter & stick with a fancy toothpick (Sammy Sliders) 
Serve with BLT Salad in the middle or
Put a big bowl of love on the table AKA Jamie's Loaded Potato soup.



Perfect anytime including Superbowl Sunday!

Creamy Comfort Chowder without the guilt


1 tbsp EVOO


1 scallion, white & green parts separated, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

healthy shake red pepper flakes

Salt & ground pepper to taste

1 baking potato, peeled & cut into small cubes (or a pkg of cubed hasbrowns -quicker/easier)

1 pkg (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels

1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth

1/2 cup soy milk or Fat Free Milk
 
1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt (FAGE) - more if needed (adds creamy no guilt texture)
 
Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes


In a medium pan, heat evoo over medium heat. Add white part of scallion, carrots, chili powder, red pepper flakes & oregano. Cook scallions, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add potato cubes, corn, broth, milk & yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until potato is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green part of scallion.