Sunday, July 18, 2010

My new favorite grilled cheese . . .

As far as grilled cheeses go, I'm a simpleton. Generic unsalted butter, any ole' bread and some melty cheese (and yes, sometimes I do use "American") are all I need. Of course, I had my share of gussied up versions, but I always go back to the basic-classic with a side of tomato soup - especially if I'm making it at home.

Grilled Cheese
That is, until I had Andy a.k.a. Windattack's version at his recent honey-themed supper party several weeks ago. Words, and even the photo above, simply doesn't do it justice. My tastebuds were lost in heaven between the homemade honey challah, slices of avocado, a drizzle of avocado honey and the wine-bathed Drunken Goat cheese that Esi of Dishing Up Delights brought. The eggy bread was not too greasy and still had that satisfying soft crunch when I sunk my teeth in, the cheese was rich yet flavorful enough to distinguish it from ordinary and, ahem, "American" cheeses (I call it "Goat-Lite") and the contrast between the slightly savory cheese, the sweet honey, and the "greenness" of the avocado was purely paradise for my palate.
Dinner Party
The dozen or so other honey-paired dishes and tastings served that night were delightful revelations too (and I give props to Andy for throwing together a dinner bash resembling those simply-elegant soirees I keep reading in food magazine spreads . . . relaxed enough for everyone to have a casual, good time but with a definite eye to detail, best exemplified in the rustic-chic table decor - Sandra Lee, take a pointer, PLEASE! - and the lavender honey-prosecco shooter amuse - served in a shot glass made out of lavender-embedded ice!) But that grilled cheese definitely lingered and haunted my mind... not to mention inspiring me to do something beyond the basics the next time I fix one up.

And Andy and Esi, I totally see you two entering next year's Grilled Cheese Invitational!

Read more about Andy's "Sugar, Ah Honey, Honey" party on his blog, or on foodblogging friend and fellow guest Anna at her blog Banana Wonder.

Rest of my photos of this party here
.

6 comments:

Esi said...

Hmmm, Grilled Cheese invitational? Could be amazing! I loved that grilled cheese. I'd like some again now. Such a great dinner!

oddlyme said...

H.C., you make me smile.

Yes, your dinner sounds like it was amazing and looked amazing. But I'd also give a shout out to simple good bread.

If you can't make your own, the challah at Diamond Bakery on Fairfax is the best. And a grilled cheese made on light rye with gouda, mustard and sliced tomato is not to be scoffed at either.

If you ever want a good challah recipe -- and promise not to post it -- I will give you my grandmothers : )

And I have to agree, some days american cheese just WORKS.

Banana Wonder said...

Oh I am still having (naughty)dreams about that avo grilled cheese! Love the Sandra Lee reference (and bashing - at dinner).

H. C. said...

@Esi, if you & Andy are doing next GCI -- I'm gonna butt in front of everyone else in line for your creation.

@Oddly, thanks for the challah tips--and yeah, there are special times where American works best.

@Anna, I too am having naughty grilled cheesy dreams. Talk about food porn!

Food, she thought. said...

Just this weekend I had Simone grilled cheese perfection at the Scholl Canyon golf course. Wheat bread with American cheese. (Yours sounded better, I love honey).

The Wind Attack said...

Challenging to the grilled cheese invitational?! I wonder if I could come up with something even more delightful than the avocado one. I better get started!!!

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