The Ardent Epicure

There are few things that come to mind that bring up the thought “Comfort Foods”,

 like that of gooey melted cheese. So here at TAE we have been doing a
series on re-do's of the classic grilled cheese sandwich...

This is an incredibly easy sandwich to put together that is sure to delight
your family or guests.

What you will need:

1/2 cup  balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup  fresh cherries, pitted and halved

8 slices ciabatta bread

16 slices gouda cheese

2 ounces aged gouda cheese, shaved

1-2 fresh firm ripened pears, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons butter, melted

Pinch of finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper

Let's get cooking:
For the sauce

Begin by bringing balsamic , lemon juice and cherries to a boil. Then reduce to a low
 heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until reduced by at least half.
For the sandwich 

Slice pears thinly and set aside.

Once your glaze had reduced allow to cool slightly, then brush one side of bread
with glaze, alternating slices.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to melted butter.
Brush melted butter onto one side of bread and place buttered side down on a
 grill or frying pan.
Add one layer of gouda, pear, agged gouda the additional gouda.
Making sure that the cheese will melt onto both slices of bread.

Top with the second slice of bread with the glazed portion facing the cheese.
Brush outer side with additional butter.

Grill on low heat until lightly golden and cheese begins to melt.

Note: This can be served warm or at room temperature and makes for a
great appetizer as well as a main dish served along side fresh fruit, soup or salad.

This sandwich was featured on Honest Cooking the Food Magazine