Caprese Grilled Cheese

Anything that contains the word "Caprese" in the recipe title, I'm in. I love Caprese entrees and appetizers and I love a hot off the griddle grilled cheese. When the two are combined together you get an intensely delicious sandwich that you won't easily forget. Obviously you don't have to use fresh bread as I listed in the recipe, but I figure if you are going to fill a sandwich with fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil then you may as well keep a good thing going. Looking for a delightfully simple and quick lunch or dinner idea? Look no further because it doesn't get much easier than grilled cheese and this is grilled cheese done right. Enjoy!

 Caprese Grilled Cheese
Yields 1 serving

Ingredients:
2 slices fresh bread (I recommend sourdough or rustic white bread)
3 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds or grated*
4 - 6 Roma tomato slices
1 Tbsp chopped, fresh basil ribbons
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil or 1 Tbsp butter
1/2 clove of garlic, for rubbing bread 

Directions:
Layer Mozzarella rounds in an even layer over one slice of bread followed by an even layer of sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle basil ribbons over top and season with ground black pepper to taste, then cover with remaining slice of bread. Drizzle 1 tsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet, heat over medium-low heat and tilt back and forth to evenly coat (heat the oil long enough for it to glide easily across the pan but don't heat it to smoking point before adding sandwich or it the bread will toast before the cheese has a chance to melt. If using butter, spread 1/2 tbsp butter on both top and bottom of sandwich and heat skillet over medium heat), add sandwich, cover with lid and cook until sandwich is golden brown on bottom, about 2 minutes. Then lift sandwich out of skillet and drizzle remaining 1 tsp olive oil into skillet, tilt pan back and forth to evenly coat. Carefully flip sandwich to opposite side then return to skillet, cover with lid and continue to cook until bottom side is golden brown and cheese is melted through. Remove from skillet and lightly brush garlic clove along toasted sides of bread. Serve immediately.

*When I don't have fresh mozzarella on hand I will sometimes use low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella which is also delicious.

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Sloppy Joes

How on earth do you make a Sloppy Joe look classy? You don't =). They are just good ol' shloppy, yes shloppy, deliciousness. Piled high and spilling over. It's impossible for any bun to fully retain all that saucy, meaty goodness. How I love a good Sloppy Joe. They may not be the fanciest meal but they are oh so scrumptiously tasty. I grew up eating them so I will always love them. These far outdo what comes in a can. Isn't everything better made fresh from scratch? Don't be scared of the long list of ingredients, other than the fresh peppers, most of them are ingredients you likely already have on hand. I kept adding a little of this and a little of that until I got this recipe just where I wanted it. If you are a cheeseburger fan, try them topped with a sprinkling of freshly grated cheddar cheese. Also, if you like a little heat feel free to add in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Sloppy Joes

Yields about 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (or an additional 1/2 cup red bell pepper)

1/4 cup diced poblano pepper (optional)

1 medium carrot finely grated (about 1/2 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce

1/3 cup water

1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp molasses

1 Tbsp yellow mustard

1 tsp liquid smoke flavoring

3 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 Tbsp dried parsley

1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder

1 1/2 tsp paprika

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt, and then to taste

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat, crumble in ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up beef when stirring, until beef has browned. Drain beef into a bowl lined with paper towels, reserving 1 1/2 tbsp fat in pan.

Add onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, poblano pepper and carrot to fat in skillet and cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until veggies become translucent and tender. Add in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Reduce heat to low and add remaining ingredients, along with browned beef and stir. Cover and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns (delicious toasted with butter and rubbed with a clove a garlic), and sprinkle optional cheddar cheese over Sloppy Joe mixture.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I'm loving the Hawaiian flavors lately. I made Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches a few days ago (which were amazing if I do say so myself =) and I had some left over fresh pineapple so I thought, why not make another Hawaiian inspired dish. These sandwiches are packed with the flavors of the Islands. I tried to think of all foods that remind me of Hawaii when making this recipe (even though sadly I've never been there, what is up with that??). Of course I thought of Hawaiian Pizza, one of my favorites with it's ham and pineapple combo. Then I'd say the first type of nut I think of when I think of Hawaii is Macadamia, and can you have a chicken salad sandwich without some kind of nut? Also, I wanted to add a bit of sweetness to the dressing (but don't worry it's not overly sweet) so I added in the honey and pineapple juice. I don't like a really thick dressing over my chicken salad but if you do you could omit the pineapple juice and add a few more tablespoons of the mayo or some Greek yogurt. I hope you love these delicious Island inspired sandwiches! May they make you feel as though you are vacationing in Hawaii. Enjoy!

Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Yields about 5-6 servings


Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken breast, chilled and shredded
8 oz cooked ham, chilled and diced
1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple (canned would work too, but drain well)
1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
2/3 cup chopped Macadamia nuts or Cashews
2 Tbsp chopped green onions


Dressing:
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and Pepper to taste


Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken, diced ham, pineapple, celery, nuts and green onions. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pineapple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over chicken mixture. Toss to evenly coat. Serve on Crusty Rustic Bread, Hawaiian Sweet Bread or whatever bread, roll or croissant you'd like.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe)

This should be called "The Sandwich of Summer." I made this recipe because I love pulled pork so much so I wanted something similar but entirely its own. Basically I wanted something delicious, out of the ordinary that will make people say "wow." Of course I made it a slow cooker recipe because that's what I love and that's what everyone else seems to love. This Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich is bursting with the flavors of the islands (especially when served along with fresh, glazed/grilled pineapple). It inspires me to want to host a luau party in my backyard. 
Don't be scared by the long list of ingredients, most of them, if not all of them, you probably already have in your fridge and cupboard. If you are looking to try a new dish that is enticingly delicious and fully amazing your going to want to try this sandwich! Share and enjoy!

Serve it with or without green onions (I liked it with):

Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Yields about 6 sandwiches


Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup pineapple juice (apple juice could be substituted)
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 1/2 tsp molasses
1/4 tsp liquid smoke
1/4 tsp coconut extract
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
freshly ground black pepper, to taste


1 Tbsp cold water
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp tomato paste


Directions:
Place chicken in a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, pineapple juice, low sodium soy sauce, honey, molasses, liquid smoke, coconut extract, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper. Pour sauce over chicken in slow cooker, cover with lid and cook on low heat for 5 - 6 hours. Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred and set aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cold water and cornstarch, pour in sauce from slow cooker and add tomato paste. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring frequently, then reduce heat and simmer 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until thickened. Return chicken to slow cooker (or the mixing bowl) and pour sauce over chicken, toss to evenly coat. Serve warm on hamburger buns, along with optional glazed or grilled pineapple and optional diced green onions (grilled red onions would be good too). 


I served with glazed pineapple and this is how I did it:


Glazed Pineapple


6 fresh pineapple rings (cut about 1/2" thick)
4 Tbsp brown sugar, divided
1 Tbsp butter, divided


Working in 2 separate batches, melt 1 Tbsp butter in a 10 inch non-stick skillet. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp brown sugar among one side of 3 pineapple rings (about 1 tsp per each), add pineapple to skillet (brown sugar side down) and saute over medium high heat until golden on bottom about 3 minutes. Sprinkle another 1 Tbsp over the tops of pineapple rings in pan (again 1 tsp per each), then flip and cook opposite side until lightly browned about 3 minutes. Repeat this process with remaining 3 pineapple rings.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwiches

If you like poppy seed salad dressing then this is the chicken salad of your dreams! This chicken salad is amazing and so simple! I was shopping at Sam's Club several weeks ago and taste tested some Sonoma Chicken Salad, it was delicious so I had to figure out how to make it at home. Following is the recipe I've come up with. It is my new favorite chicken salad. I'm going to start using the dressing to drizzle over green salads as well. My recommendation for the easiest way to make this is to cook the chicken in a slow cooker over night, toss it in an airtight container in the morning and refrigerate it, then by lunch time it will be cool enough to shred or chop and toss into the salad. I know this is going to be my new favorite dish for picnic lunches this summer. Just be sure after eating this chicken salad to smile real big... and check your teeth for poppy seeds =).
Note: some other good substitutions for the dried cranberries would be diced apples or grapes and another good nut option would be almonds or cashews, but I would recommend trying the recipe as written at least once. The ingredients listed are a perfect combination together. When served over some fresh rustic bread this sandwich is to die for!

Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Yields 5-6 servings



Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves)
1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries, such as Craisins, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
Sliced bread, for serving (here is a great recipe) 


Dressing:
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple juice
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp prepared yellow mustard (optional)
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Directions: 
In a large mixing bowl toss together shredded chicken, celery, pecans, dried cranberries and Parmesan cheese, set aside. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients listed for the dressing until well blended. Pour dressing mixture over chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Serve over sliced bread, croissants or rolls. Store in refrigerator.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I'm almost at a loss for words to describe this Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich, it is just that good! I guess I will say, let the pictures tell you everything you need to know about this sandwich.  
Several months ago I had, I guess the word is, "pinspiration" when I saw this utterly incredible photo of a Broccoli Grilled Cheese sandwich over at BS in the Kitchen.  It left me salivating and I never did forget about it.  I was purely inspired to make my own rendition.  
If you have tried my Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe then this recipe and cooking method will be familiar to you (though this version isn't quite as healthy =). Some may say if you are going to have a grilled cheese sandwich you may as well load on the butter, use white bread and just go all out. I say otherwise, not only because it's better for you to fry with olive oil and use whole grain bread but I think it tastes better. I hope you adapt this cooking method for all your grilled cheese sandwiches, it's a small and simple step to a healthier grilled cheese.  Enjoy!

ahh, that first bite...

Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Yields 1 Sandwich


Ingredients:
2 slices Double Fiber Bread or Whole Wheat Bread
1.5 oz Medium Cheddar Cheese, grated (about 1/3 cup packed)
1/2 oz Parmesan Cheese, finely grated (about 2 Tbsp)
1/4 cup finely chopped quality ham*
6 small broccoli florets, steamed then diced into small pieces**
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided


Directions:
In a bowl, combine grated Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, ham, steamed broccoli, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.  Layer mixture over one slice of bread then top with additional slice of bread gently pressing down.  Heat a non-stick fry pan over medium low heat then drizzle 1/2 Tbsp olive oil into pan and tilt pan back and forth to evenly coat, immediately place sandwich in pan (I don't preheat the oil because the outside would darken before the inside cooks through), cover pan with lid and cook 2 - 3 minutes until bottom becomes golden brown.  Carefully lift sandwich out of pan with a spatula then add remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil to pan and tilt to coat.  Carefully flip sandwich returning to pan, cover pan with lid, and cook opposite side until bottom is golden brown and cheese has melted about 2 - 3 minutes.  Serve warm.


*I put quality ham because I used leftover spiral sliced ham that I had placed in the food processor then processed several seconds until chopped into very small pieces (I always do this with leftover ham and freeze it.  It's great for salads, sandwiches, eggs and many other entrees. This recipe is a great use for that leftover spiral sliced ham this upcoming Easter).  If you don't happen to have left over ham you could also use deli ham, diced into pieces.


**I use a simple steaming method, I place 1/4 cup water in a microwave safe bowl then add broccoli florets.  Microwave on HIGH power 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes until tender, then drain water and dice into smaller pieces.


Recipe Source: inspired by BS in the Kitchen, recipe Cooking Classy

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Toasted Turkey and Ham Sandwich

Build your own fancy deli sandwich at home!  This sandwich is incredible, simple but incredible!  It's loaded with turkey and ham, don't you hate the sandwiches that are so skimpy with the meats?  It's the centerpiece of the sandwich.  With that said, please use quality meats if you don't you'll get a low quality sandwich.  I had two friends tell me this was one of the the best sandwiches they've ever had so there's two reviews for you =).  

My favorite thing about this sandwich is that it gives me the perfect use for my left over spiral sliced ham.  I often dice any ham we have left and freeze it.  If I'm really lazy about it I will even do it in the food processor, although I do prefer it diced by hand because you can determine the size of the dice.  It just takes a bit longer.  I also used my left over ham for ham and cheese salads, ham eggs, or ham pizza.  So don't through that left over ham out, there's hundreds of uses for it and it freezes so well.

Toasted Turkey and Ham Sandwich

Yields one huge sandwich 

Ingredients:

2 1" slices french bread, sliced on a bias

Mayonnaise, whipped cream cheese or mustard, for spreading

3 oz. thinly sliced, peppered deli turkey (best is Board Head, Columbus brand or Jennie O)

1/4 cup finely diced ham (I used leftover spiral sliced Honey Baked ham)

1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

2 slices ripe avocado

3 slices Roma tomatoes

1/8 tsp Italian seasoning

1 leaf Green Leaf lettuce or Iceberg lettuce

Directions:

Heat a large non-stick saucepan over medium low heat.  Butter pan and toast one (or both side if preferred) of each slice of bread until toasted and golden.  Remove bread from heat and dress bread with mayonnaise, whipped cream cheese or mustard as desired, top one slice with lettuce and set aside.  

Return pan to heat, butter pan again and layer turkey slices into pan.  Cook turkey until lightly golden on bottom (only takes about 1 minute), then flip turkey using a spatula.  Remove from heat and top turkey with shredded Mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with ham, then layer with avocado slices, followed by tomato slices, then sprinkle with with Italian seasoning.  Return to heat and cook until cheese has melted and bottom of turkey is lightly golden.  Using the spatula, carefully lift out layered sandwich filling and lay on top of sliced bread containing lettuce.  Top with remaining slice.  Serve immediately (you may want to cut it in half to be able to eat this one =).

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Dill Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Anyone that doesn't like chicken salad please give these a try, and anyone who likes chicken salad, these sandwiches will make you love chicken salad =)!  They are full of exciting flavors.  I created this recipe because I felt the chicken salad sandwich needed a bit more to it, and cheese!  Your average chicken salad doesn’t have any cheese, rip off =).  These are a great, simple entrée to serve at parties, showers, or any day you want serve up an incredible lunch or dinner. They make for an amazing picnic as well.  If you absolutely hate dill then of course you can leave it out and still have a delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich.  I hope you have a chance to try my favorite Chicken Salad Sandwich…

Dill Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Yields about 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast

1 cup grapes, sliced into halves

1/2 cup chopped cashews

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 Tbsp chopped green onion

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup buttermilk

2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp dried dill

1 tsp dried parsley

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste*

Green leaf lettuce, for serving (optional)

Directions:

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.  Set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, toss together chicken, grapes, cashews, celery, green onion and Parmesan. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss mixture until well coated. Serve on a bed of lettuce (if desired) on sliced bread, croissants, rolls, or French bread.

*I only add pepper no salt, I personally think you get enough salt from the parmesan and cashews but if you like more salt then please add it =).

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Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Healthy grilled cheese, say what!? Can those three words even go together? This sandwich is amazing! Anyone who is a fan of grilled cheese (or not) I suggest you convert to this method. You won't regret it. In my opinion this tastes even better than the original version that's slathered in butter.  You get more flavor and you feel better about eating it.  This is obviously just a recipe for your basic grilled cheese but there are so many variations you can add to this recipe.  You could add in tomatoes or spinach, or your favorite herbs and seasonings or you can just keep it basic like this. Try this recipe out today and it's likely you will become converted to this method, like I have, for life.  Your heart will thank you later =).  Also, keep in mind you can use your favorite cheese but for a lower calorie, less fat cheese Mozzarella may be your better option. 

Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Yields 1 Sandwich

Ingredients:

2 slices whole wheat bread (preferably fresh)

Sliced Monterrey Jack, Muenster, Cheddar, or Mozzarella Cheese (enough to cover bread)

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat a small nonstick fry pan over medium low heat. Place cheese slices (enough to cover bread) between 2 slices of wheat bread. Once fry pan is warm drizzle with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, slightly tilt pan back and forth to evenly spread oil. Place sandwich in oil, cover with a lid and cook until bottom is golden, about 2 minutes. Then lift sandwich with a spatula an add remaining 1 tsp olive oil to fry pan. Flip sandwich and cook opposite side until golden. Serve immediately.

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Paula Deen's Pulled Pork Sandwich

No long post here today, all I need to say is this is the BEST pulled pork you will ever eat =)!  Perfectly seasoned and unbelievable tender.  You'll never need another pulled pork recipe. Thank you Paula Deen!  I would suggest serving this with Blue Cheese Coleslaw.  Best upgrade coleslaw has ever been given!

Paula Deen's Pulled Pork Sandwich

• Yields 8 - 10 Servings
• 
  
• Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 Tbsp salt*
• 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper* (yeah your arms going to get tired =)
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 4 pound shoulder pork roast (aka Boston Butt roast)
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire
• 1/2 Tbsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 8 hamburger buns or large rolls
• 1 1/4 cups Bullseye (brand) original bbq sauce**
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)

Directions:

In a small mixing bowl whisk together salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper.  Place roast in a 13 x 9 pan and rub entire roast with dry rub mixture, pressing mixture into the roast.  Cover roast with plastic wrap and allow to rest in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.  

In a medium mixing bowl combine apple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, liquid smoke and garlic powder.  Place roast in a slow cooker, pour several tablespoons of the apple juice mixture over the top of the roast, then pour remaining mixture on the side of the roast (I do  this so all the dry rub isn't washed off the top).  Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low heat 8 - 10 hours.  Remove roast from slow cooker and shred.  Return shredded pork to slow cooker (in broth) and allow to cook 30 more minutes.  Ladle out majority of the broth (I leave about 1/2 - 3/4 cup) and pour in barbecue sauce and stir.  Serve warm, over rolls with optional coleslaw.

*Original recipe calls for 2 Tbsp of each salt and pepper but I thought 1 1/2 Tbsp was plenty.  It also doesn't call for freshly ground black pepper but I think it makes a big difference.

**Original recipe lists Barbeque sauce.  I like to add 1 1/4 cups and I only use Bullseye brand. I have tried many other kinds and several homemade recipes and Bullseye is just it for me.  It's perfect with this recipe.

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Food Network.

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