A bit more sophisticated than the boring old classic, this sweet twist on a grilled cheese sandwich is both gooey and comforting. Serve it as a quick dinner paired with a dry Riesling or a full bodied Merlot for the ultimate grown up grilled cheese experience.
Pears take on a new character when combined with cheese and wine. The flavour, scent, and texture of each pear variety enhances both wine and cheese flavours, which is why this classic trio holds a place of honour on tables around the world.
The key to caramelize your onions is to go low and slow. Sauté the onions in plant-based butter and a splash of oil with a pinch of salt. Keep the heat low and keep stirring occasionally so that the onions don't get browned or crispy. You want them soft and yellow. This will be the most time consuming part of making this sandwich, but you won't regret it. It brings out the sweetness in the onions and perfectly melds the sweet pears with the umami flavour of Zengarry's Cream Swiss cheese.
The perfect bread for this sandwich is a slightly dense French-style Country bread. Homemade is great if you have the time, but who does?
Ingredients:
(for one sandwich)
2 thick slices of bread
2 Tbsp. caramelized onions
1 Bartlett pear thickly sliced
1.5 Tbsp. Pear Riesling Jelly or any pear or garlic jelly
Plant-based butter
Instructions:
Optional: Sauté the sliced pear in a bit of plant-based butter on each side until softened and slightly browned.
Spread a generous layer of Zengarry's Creamy Swiss cashew cheese on one slice of bread.
Top the cheese with the caramelized onions and sliced pears.
Spread the jelly on the other slice of bread and place it jelly side down on the sandwich.
Spread plant-based butter on the outside of both slices of bread and grill on both sides over medium high heat until golden brown on both sides.