I hope you will allow me this slight interruption to Mango Week.Earlier in the week I came across the Grilled Cheese Pageant on the blog Panini Happy and knew I had to enter.
I’ve been reading this blog for a few months now and if you love warm, Panini sandwiches as much as I do you need to head over and check it out. It is full of wonderful ideas and beautiful pictures.
Variations of the grilled cheese have been a go-to meal for me since we’ve been living abroad. It is quick, easy and requires no heating of the oven which in turn heats up our already hot apartment. In addition, a little creativity takes the traditional grilled cheese a long way so it is fun to play with different combinations.
I went to our Japanese market this week and picked up some baby arugula and a couple pears. On the walk back I stopped in the bakery and purchased some of the wonderful Pão Francês (Brazilian French Bread) that is so plentiful here. Once I arrived home, I decided that the combination would go perfectly with some smoked provolone I had in the fridge.
So this creation serves as my entry into the Panini Happy Grilled Cheese Pageant. If you are interested in entering, you still have time. The deadline is tomorrow at noon PDT.
Arugula & Pear Grilled Cheese
1 small French bread, split
1/3 cup smoked provolone, shredded
1 small handful of baby arugula
½ medium pear sliced
1/3 cup smoked provolone, shredded
1 small handful of baby arugula
½ medium pear sliced
Spread cheese on both pieces of bread. Place the top on the skillet to help melt the cheese. Once it begins to melt place the arugula on one side and the pear on the other.
Put sandwich together and continue to grill until the rest of the cheese is melted, arugula is wilted and pear is warmed through. Place a piece of foil on top and press with the bottom of a smaller skillet if desired.
I will be back tomorrow to finalize Mango Week and announce my very first recipe contest! I hope you’ll stop by!
Pears + Pão Francês = fantastic!!
Can’t wait to read more about your contest tomorrow!! 🙂
wow…that sounds great. the sweetness of the pear and the bitterness of the arugula is a perfect combination!
Well, cheese in almost any form tends to be a go to food for me and there’s something just so appealing about grilled cheese creations. This one sounds yum 🙂
Another thing I’m starting to miss about my home in the States…my panini press! This looks delicious, and will be one of the first panini I try when I get back!
Nice combos.
Such a great idea for a flavor combo – thanks so much for entering the Pageant!
hmm fruit and cheese- meant to be together! And who doesn’t love a toasty sammy? I don’t think anyone will mind this incredible mango week break !
I think I like!!!!!
This weekend I will make it for my 13 year old step daughter…I will let you know how that goes!!!
succulent and tasty!…thanks, Lori!
That sounds delicious, I will definitely have to try!
VeggieGirl – The bread really makes it!
Alison – I find I am loving arugula with all kinds of sweet combos.
Daily Spud – All one has to do is say ‘cheese’ and I’m all in. Except when it comes to pictures. 🙂
Mindy – I know. I’ve been making due with a piece of foil on top and pressing down another pan. Not perfect, but it works!
Sweta – Thanks!
Kathy – You are welcome. I think it is such a great idea. Food and beauty. 😉
Erica – Totally agree. Fruit and cheese go so well together.
coco – Can’t wait to hear what your step daughter thinks. 😉
Emily – It really is good, and simple to make too.
woah! that sounds amazing! i have to try it immediately!
mmmmm…pears and cheese and bread…three of my favorite things:)
Yummy! Smoked provolone matched with pear and arugula sounds like one fabulous grilled cheese sandwich. And that bread? Amazing!
Your sandwiches are so awesome! I haven’t even wrapped my brain around the goodness that is the Roma and now this! I am currently in love w/arugula and once again, this cheese and fruit combo sounds divine. I want to get my hands on that Pão Francês (although I’ll be making some Pão de Queso this weekend, I hope)!
I love the combo of pear and cheese and this grilled cheese sandwich is definitely a winner!
That looks simple and amazing. I like pairing sweet with salty in sandwiches…just today I made a “home-made pickle” sandwich with almond butter. They are so good.
I’m going to try this out…it looks gourmet!
Heather, Caitlin and Jamie – So simple, yet so delicious. I was really pleased with this one. 🙂
Tangled Noodle – Thanks! I am such a sandwich fan so I love playing with ingredients. Hope your bread making went well this weekend!
5 Star – Thanks! It was tasty.
My Year Without – So I’ve heard about pb and pickles. I bet almond butter would be similar. At first it sounds like a strange combo, but I tend to like things that first appear strange. 🙂 I need to try it!
Sounds yummy! I’ve seen Giada do something like this….always wanted to try it! 🙂