Grilled Cheese Bar for Fun Supper

~SIMPLE GRILLED CHEESE BAR~

When we are weeks into Winter with no sunshine, comfort food is calling my name.  Grilled cheese is always my go to when I'm in the mood to create a fun meal. It reminds me of growing up and Mom making our family of 7 grilled cheese for Saturday suppers.  We loved it with a side of tomato soup.  

Simple grilled cheese and tomato soup are still my favorites, but if you're looking to step it up a notch, setting up a Make Your Own Grilled Cheese station is fun and personal because everyone gets to make it their way.

-It's 9 easy steps -

1 -Do as much prep work ahead of time as you can. 

2 -Cook, cool and store bacon in fridge ahead of time if it's a topping of your choice.

3- Preslice apples, figs, pears, tomatoes and avocados.  Delicious on grilled cheese and the kids can help with prep work ahead of time.

4- A nice variety is tomato basil, 4 cheese, rye & sourdough. We live close to Panera so I like to pick up my breads and have them preslice for me. Or pick up your breads at your local supermarket. 

5- Arrange your cheeses on a large platter, cover and store in 

the fridge.  My favorites are Gruyere, cheddar, fontina & colby jack.

  

6- A simple platter of the cooked ham, turkey or  prosciutto for the meat lovers in your home for anyone who cares to enjoy on their grilled cheese. 

7- Have bowls of softened butter, mayonnaise and olive oil with basting brushes near the griddle to brush onto breads before toasting. And a couple of spatulas for turning the sandwiches. 

8- Lightly spray your large griddle (stovetop or electric) and preheat close to meal time.

9- Stack plates near the griddle so it's 1,2,3 assemble, grill and enjoy.

  

Enjoy and Happy Tuesday! 

Soup Tuesday: Homemade Bread Bowl

I love Panera Bread and their daily special soups when the weather turns chilly.  I found a fairly easy recipe for homemade bread bowls you can make yourself.  Surprise your family or friends with this extra touch when serving up your favorite soup tonight.  This recipe makes 12 bread bowls.  

You need:  

5 cups warm water

2 tablespoons yeast

2/3 cup sugar

Combine and let sit for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly

Next you need 2/3 cup oil, 2 tablespoons salt, 12-14 cups white all purpose flour.  Add oil, salt and 3 cups flour to the yeast mixture.  Mix on low speed.  Begin adding the rest of the four 1 cup at a time until 10 cups total.  Mix on high and continue to add the flour 1 cup at a time until the dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl and pulls away towards the middle. Do not add more than 14 cups of flour!  Knead the dough for 6 minutes.

Divide the dough into 12 pieces and make round balls.  Place on large cookie sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray.  and let rise until doubled in size.  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.  Cool.  Cut top off and dig our bread, leaving a hollowed out bowl.  Fill with your favorite cream soup, chowder or stew and enjoy!  

Put the bread pieces from the center of the bowls into a basket and place on the table.  Delicious for dipping into the soup.  Enjoy the bread basket too.

Happy Tuesday!