I love avocados and not because they are totally trendy right now. The foodie scene right now is inundated with avocado everything but my love of avocados goes way back.
Growing up in Venezuela, avocados were a very normal food to eat. I remember my parents always having them as a side, sliced up with a bit of salt, or stuffing them in our arepas. Now living in a cold climate, where avocados do not grow, these little green creamy delights are extra special.
Aside from the abundant nutritional value of avocados (potassium, vitamins, monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants), they have this umami quality about them that is almost butter-like . They are creamy, rich yet subtle. They are phenomenal in salads, guac, tacos, or even on their own with a little salt. Lately I’ve gotten creative with them, making avocado dressing, avocado pasta and green avocado enchilada sauce. But today, I want to enjoy the goodness of an avocado in a simple basic comforting form. Avocado + Bread + Cheese.
Stress this week has been a little higher. We have been house hunting hard. From 4 house we saw on Sunday, 3 of them had offers the very next day! With such a competitive market, choosing a house to make a home is a bit nerve-raking.
Then last week we found a house! A house we liked. A quirky fixer upper that gave us the feeling of home. We saw it one day, and before we could see it again the very next day, it was gone 🙁
I try to keep the mentality of “it was not meant to be.” But it is little sad to see your life unfolding in a new house and then it is gone. Nevertheless, the search continues. The right house is out there. I know it.
“Patience is bitter but it’s fruit is sweet” Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
In the meantime while we search, I will quietly and patiently indulge in this simple satisfying creamy Avocado Grilled Cheese sandwich. Nom nom nom.
Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Serving size: 2 sandwiches
Notes: I used a local seed bread that is soft and grills nicely. White bread works wonderfully as well! Cheese-wise I love the bite of gruyere mixed with cheddar (which you can get in 1 block at Trader Joes) but feel free to use other melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterrey Jack or Colby Jack.
- 1 small ripe avocado, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of soft bread*
- 2/3 cup shredded gruyere/cheddar*
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Crushed red peppers (optional)
Start by setting out all of your ingredients (or mise en place). Slice the avocado into thin pieces, shred cheese, set out bread, and butter. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter to the pan (roughly a tablespoon). I like using cast iron because heats evenly and creates a great crust.
Butter one side of the slice of bread and set on the pan. Sprinkle enough cheese to coat the slice. Then add half of the thin avocado slices. Season with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of crushed red peppers if desired. Add more cheese to cover the avocados. Top with the other buttered slice of bread (buttered side up). Repeat same process to build the second sandwich.
Grill over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side for each sandwich.
Slice diagonally and serve it up pretty before DEVOURING IT 😉 Grab a cold one or a glass of white vino for my wine loving friends. Enjoy.
Originally posted 2016-03-07 06:41:33.
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