Autumn arrived in full force at last here in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly two days of solid rain, (Oh! I loved it!) and all I have been able to think about for days is...grilled cheese sandwiches.
Actually, it started with the last Issue of Martha's magazine, where she had an article titled "Grown-up Grilled Cheese". In the article she (okay, "her people") went on and on about using whatever assortment of cheeses you happen to have in the fridge on a gotta-have-grilled-cheese-sandwiches day and any bacon, ham or what have you that is also just lying in the fridge waiting for it's encore presentation. You jazz it all up with dill or basil, tomatoes, or onions...and grill it up for a fabulouso Autumn meal.
Okay, so, as I said, Autumn screams for grilled cheese sandwiches, and I didn't actually have any cheese in my fridge, except for shredded cheddar, and a block of parmesian. Not to worry, I headed to the never disapointing QFC market's deli counter to round up some great cheeses for this mouth watering meal.
If you do not have QFC's where you live, let me tell you that it is rather like the Nordstoms of the grocery store world...more of a high end type market, catering to a more sophisticated palate, and ingredients menu. They have everything, food-wise, for a price. These days, QFC is not on my usual weekly stops, as I am more of a WinCo slash walMart shopper, looking for the bargain food basics, but when I'm wanting somethng special, it's the place to go...and it's always a treat to peruse thier deli and meat counters.
The deli girl at QFC didn't let me down. She gave me a slice of the Horseradish cheddar to sample. Oh, Mama. So good, and just the right amount of horseradish-ness to add a lil pop to my creation. Baby Swiss, some Creamy Harvarti, and Smokey Gruyere rounded out my cheese purchases, along with half a pound of Canadian Bacon. I grabbed a loaf of thier freshly baked sliced sourdough on the way to check out, and I was good to go.
In the end, I opted for making these yummy sandwiches in a purist fashion, without onion or dill, and it was still dee-lish. I used the Other Tracey's top secret caterer tip of using mayo on the outside of the pieces fo bread instead of just butter, and along with some salt and pepper potato chips, my Autmn meal was complete, and my craving for comfort food was satisfied.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
A bowl of tomatoe soup would also be a nice addition to this savory fall meal, now that I think about it, topped with a bit of grated fresh parmesian, and a couple of homemade sourdough crutons.... Hmm, maybe when I use the now left-over cheeses in my fridge I will do that.
That's what I might need to go make right now for breakfast! Glad I was on FB just now!!!
Posted by: betsyderr | October 11, 2010 at 08:06 AM
I just had breakfast and, still, I could eat this sandwich right now. This is what I call a toasted cheese sandwich.
QFC sounds like our WHOLE FOODS stores down here. I don't have one in town but I try to go there when I go to the Bay Area. It's got everything if your welling to pay for it. I must try to find some cheddar horseradish.
Posted by: Farmlady | October 11, 2010 at 09:10 AM
Sounds yummy and with tha extra touch, even better!!Here in Texas we have Central Market that has that type of mechandise! Not your every day store but great fun when you need it!! The do make geat to go sandwiches from their deli!!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | October 11, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Tracey, it was so funny to read about your grilled cheese sandwich foray. I have been eating one almost daily for several weeks now. I use Franz Oregon Hazlenut bread ( can get at QFC ) and other stores, good sharp cheddar cheese, Kraft creamy horseradish, and home grown, room temperature, tomato, sliced and sprinkled with lemon pepper. Then the secret ingredient I'm a little embarrassed about, because I usually am so health conscious - Mexican Velveeta cheese -a slice for each half - it is sooo creamy melted. I grill the sandwich and then add the tomato slices. You can buy fresh Heritage tomatoes at QFC and Mexican Velveeta too. This seems to be an annual Fall ritual triggered by fresh tomatoes and cooler temperatures. QFC also has Hot & Sweet pickles (Private Selection label ) that are perfect with them. Yummm..
Posted by: Holley Anderson | October 11, 2010 at 09:36 AM
It looks so yummy! I love gruyere on my grilled cheese. And you're right---tomato soup would definitely hit the spot with it!
Posted by: Katy | October 11, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I tried the Martha suggestion of cheddar with cherry preserves and it was really yummy.
Posted by: Debbie | October 11, 2010 at 12:50 PM
My mouth is watering as I read this. Saw Martha making these delicious sandwiches on Oprah the other day. I never knew so much could go into a toasted cheese sandwich.
Posted by: Christine | October 11, 2010 at 12:52 PM
You got my mouth watering for sure...........might just be the thing for a light dinner.........
BTW, Safeway also has a horseradish cheese that is quite good.
Posted by: Brandon | October 11, 2010 at 01:07 PM
yummmmmm!! One of my favorite meals, to-mater soup and grilled cheese sammiches! Never heard that mayo tip before. Gonna have to try it!! THanks!!
Posted by: karen w | October 11, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Love grilled cheese and tomato soup. I'll have to try the mayo tip, and I am definitely adding some freshly grated parmesan to the soup.
Posted by: debbie | October 11, 2010 at 03:22 PM
All I can say is YUM!
Posted by: Dori | October 11, 2010 at 03:25 PM
Sounds heavenly!
Posted by: mary | October 11, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Now that sounds yummy...truly.... Our cafe at work does a 3 cheese grilled cheese that is AMAZING but they only use normal cheeses, not the fun ones you found at your deli... MMMMMM
Posted by: Kim | October 11, 2010 at 04:45 PM
SO funny! I just made grilled cheese sammiches about 30 minutes ago!! Here in Loosiana, we don't have much fall weather but boyfriend and I had a nice lunch out and weren't that hungry. His go-to food is always a grilled cheese. I, of course, love all the fancy cheeses and seasonings...he said NO. I want yellow cheese that just tastes like cheese!! And no soup. I always try to slip a bowl of tomato soup in but he just wanted the sammy. So, when I saw your blog tonight, I grinned big time!!
Posted by: jmac | October 11, 2010 at 06:07 PM
I think tomorrow I simply must have grilled cheese!
Blessings!
Posted by: susan | October 11, 2010 at 07:12 PM
Mmmmmmmmmm........grilled cheese and tomato soup is my go-to comfort food meal. I LOVE it. Costco has THE yummiest tomato soup in their deli-ish department. The best ever....although Safeway's Tomato Basil is pretty darn good too.
Thanks for the mayo tip... I had NEVER heard of that one...
Warm blessings,
Spencer
Posted by: Spencer | October 11, 2010 at 07:41 PM
My, that sounds wonderful.I have to try the horseradish cheese!
Posted by: Suzy | October 11, 2010 at 09:19 PM
No Canadian bacon Tracey, but, yesterday was a Canadian, cozy, rainyday visit with Momma and Sis as we nibbled on our grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup......coincidence?? :o)
God Bless.
Barbra.
Posted by: Barbra | October 11, 2010 at 10:47 PM
I just did a post on grilled cheese!
Great minds and all. Here's the link:
http://tickleberryfarm.blogspot.com/2010/10/tickleberry-toastie-and-other.html
I love visiting your blog and seeing how your life is unfolding. Great things are yet in store. :o)
Posted by: jAne | October 12, 2010 at 07:06 AM
Oh yeah!! 2 thumbs up!
Posted by: Michelle | October 12, 2010 at 07:13 AM
Oh my! I love a good grilled cheese, with some very, very thin crisp bacon, or smoked ham. Unfortunately it is a rare thing in my diet due to the cholesterol. :(
Posted by: Glenda/MidSouth | October 12, 2010 at 04:09 PM