What is this sandwich?

Obsessed is an understatement, and I don’t care what you think. I can’t help it, to be honest. This website is just too good. You really can’t go wrong with grilled cheese, this is just a great way to be a little bit adventurous while enjoying a classic. What can I say? So if you haven’t checked out Grilled Cheese Social yet, be sure to head over to get the recipe for the Montbrie Cristo: Brie, Turkey, Ham, Raspberry Jam and Green Onion Grilled Cheese as soon as you’ve finished reading this piece of literature.

I think the first time Ian and I made this one was when we were living in England. And I don’t think I want to admit to you all how many times we have made it since then because you’ll be recommending we hit the gym. We even made this one for our housemates and had a nice little house dinner. Oh my gosh. ACTUALLY. Now I do remember the first time we made this one. I hate to bore you with personal anecdotes, but this one is just too good not to share…

Flat tire blues

Ian and I lived in a small village outside of Cambridge and had a 12 km commute in to work and therefore, a 12 km commute back home. On single speed bikes. We did this for six months. There was a period where Ian’s bike had three flat tires in four days. (Altogether in six months, we had at least 13 between the two of us). On this particular day, we were riding along with our baskets full of that evening’s dinner ingredients (as we did most days), when Ian got a flat. He tried to patch it but it just wouldn’t hold. So Ian KICKED his tire into the bush in frustration. We were about four miles from home and not in a convenient place to hop on the bus.

I biked home and started dinner while Ian walked his poor bike. Did I mention we were in England? Do you know what type of weather England is stereotypically known for? Rain. I look outside and all of a sudden it is coming DOWN like it’s the end of the world. And judging by the time on the clock, Ian’s got a good 10-15 minutes left to walk. You know in scary movies when it rains and there’s lightning and you see a shadowy figure come in through a doorway? That was Ian. Soaking wet and angry. BUT the good ending to this story is that there were Grilled Cheese Social Montbrie Cristos waiting for Ian when he finally made it home!

Finally, the review

I buy a loaf and slice it myself.. our supermarket in England had a slicer that you could put your bread into and it was awesome. Don’t make the pieces too thin – remember you’re going to dredge in French toast batter and also there are just a lot of things going into this sandwich in general.

For brie, I just buy the generic grocery store brand. Typically, if I can buy generic store brand for something, I will. Unless it’s noticeably poorer quality and taste than a name brand. One 200 g package of it will be enough for about six sandwiches, I think.

On to the turkey and ham. Don’t cheat yourself on this one! Get them to slice it fresh for your from a deli! It’s heaps better, I promise! I’m salivating a bit right now. The salty meat and the sweet jam.. omgeeeeeeee.

Obviously, in true Grilled Cheese Social fashion, you top off the whole thing with more cheese before the lid and before you dip into the French toast batter. For me, I just use an egg, some milk and some cinnamon.  If you’ve ever made French toast before, you’ll know what to do. If you haven’t.. just whip an egg (or two depending on how many sandwiches you’re making), some milk and a pinch of cinnamon together.

Toss these on a griddle or your frying pan once the butter bubbles and away you go. You’re not going to be able to eat more than two of these in a sitting (I dare you to try) but you’re definitely going to dream about them (anyone else have really bizarre dreams when they eat cheese before bed, or is that just me?)

Can’t wait to hear what you all think of this one!