Simple Fireside Dining

I know, it’s not Friday. We could have a burger by the fireside or maybe a pizza. Yeah, but I just had to share this recipe with you as soon as possible. Let me explain.

Kiddo and I are huge fans of making over-the-top grilled cheese sandwiches. Years ago, when we lived in Las Vegas, one of our favorite casual restaurants was The Great American Grilled Cheese. All they served were grilled cheese sandwiches. We even created a few of our own Gourmet Grilled Cheese inspired by this place.

I love the way Face Book caters to your likes and posts. Three things come up more often than anything else. Catholic related postings, food related postings and wholesome entertainment. This recipe for Shrimp Grilled Cheese popped up on my page and the minute I saw it, I knew I had to give it a try. Especially since we have several pounds of shrimp tucked in the freezer just for these times.

Hubby and I feel very blessed in that we are in a position to stock up on things when the price is right. I don’t know how people living week by week are managing. Prices for food are all over the place. Two weeks ago ground beef was at $10.00 a pound, and not for the good stuff. The following week that same ground beef was at $2.00 a pound. You can bet we stocked up. Eggs have gone through the roof and they are limiting you to just 2 dozen at a time. Once the pork laws go into effect in California, bacon will be a luxury item. It’s just crazy.

Enough of a rant for the day. Today might not be Friday, but as a Thursday Italian inspired suppers are on the menu. What can be more casual Italian Inspired than garlic grilled cheese? The shrimp just gives these sandwiches an extra special touch.

The Amazing Garlic Grilled Cheese Shrimp Sandwich
4 slices Sour Dough Bread
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (Green Can)
10 large Shrimp
2 Garlic Cloves
2 tablespoons Butter
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded

Lay bread out on a work surface. Brush each slice of bread with a little mayonnaise. Sprinkle with canned Parmesan Cheese, shaking off excess for a light coating to add crispness to the grill. Set bread aside until ready to assemble and grill.

Devein and peel shrimp, removing tails. Set aside. Peel and mince garlic. Set aside.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Melt butter. Once the butter is melted, lower heat. Add shrimp and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the shrimp is a beautiful pink, about 3 or 4 minutes. Set shrimp aside. Wipe out the pan.

Turn the sourdough bread cheese side down on the work surface. On two slices of bread divide and scatter Mozzarella Cheese. Slit shrimp in half (think butterfly) and scatter over the cheese. Top with Monterey Jack Cheese, then the remaining bread.

Heat skillet used for the shrimp over medium heat. Carefully place sandwiches, Parmesan Side Down, in the skillet. Grill until golden, about 2 or 3 minutes. Gently flip sandwiches, continue to grill until cheese has melted and the bread is a beautiful golden hue.

Serve these amazing sandwiches with a simple salad and perhaps a glass of crisp late harvest wine.

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As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you, too, shall abide in the Son and in the Father.