Who knew there was a whole cookbook on something as prosaic as a grilled
cheese sandwich?
Who knew there were two?
Seldom have we seen two books so evenly matched, from the gorgeous,
oozy-cheese photos right down to the price ($16.95 each).
If grilled cheese is your idea of a cheap, fast meal for the kids, keep
shopping. But if you stall out in front of the cheese counter at Whole
Foods and generally have a fridge full of "leftovers" such as prosciutto
and pepperoncini, read on.
GRILLED CHEESE: 50 RECIPES TO MAKE YOU MELT
by Marlena Spieler, roving foodie and cookbook author
Range: GC goes everywhere, from appetizers to salads and even
dessert.
Extras: Side salads to serve with GC, homemade mustards
Sample tip: "Weighting the sandwiches presses the bread with the
cheese and other fillings, resulting in a crisper, more compact,
sandwich."
Why get it? Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto and Fig Jam
Wha wha what? Picadillo and Jack Quesadillas on Pumpkin Tortillas
Bottom line: 50 recipes is a stretch; she should have stopped at
40.
GREAT GRILLED CHEESE: 50 INNOVATIVE RECIPES FOR STOVETOP, GRILL, AND
SANDWICH MAKER
by Laura Werlin, all cheese, all the time
Range: Variety comes from changes in bread and fillings.
Extras: Recipes include method for stovetop, sandwich maker and
grill.
Sample tip: "To melt the cheese sufficiently on the inside of a
grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread, you should grate the
cheese rather than slice it."
Why get it? Grilled Brie With Apricot Jam
Wha wha what? Feta and Eggplant on Pita with Sesame-Yogurt Sauce
Bottom line: Where's my spatula?
DMN
