April is National Grilled Cheese Month!

It’s not clear when, how or why April became National Grilled Cheese Month, but for those of us who truly love this tasty meal or snack, it’s a great thing. Here are a few fun facts to know about grilled cheese and the quest to find a favorite!

Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought

A grilled cheese sandwich is like an old friend and “Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life” Anonymous. They are comforting, safe and a connection to times gone by. Whether you prefer a traditional style of cheddar between two slices of bread or an opened-faced, three cheese, bacon and tomato grilled cheese, they are all good. Why not try some new ways of having grilled cheese this month? Enjoy!

A Brief History

Cooked meals incorporating bread and cheese have been enjoyed for centuries. According to The Food Timeline, “the earliest recipes for food like these are found in Ancient Roman cookbooks” and our modern, American version of the grilled cheese sandwich dates back to the 1920s when mass-market sliced bread and American cheese were introduced. One slice, open-faced sandwiches became two-slice, closed ones in the 1960s. They were often served with tomato soup. Cooking methods vary, from frying the sandwich in butter in a skillet, to baking or broiling in the oven to using a sandwich machine. No matter how you make it, the end result is delicious.

Where to Find Delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Branford has many places that offer wonderful grilled cheese sandwiches. Check out , the Hole in the Wall Deli or . They offer grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers between double grilled cheese sandwiches! Tasty and filling!

Check Out this New Book

Laura Werlin is a cheese expert and has written several books on the subject. Her most recent is Grilled Cheese, Please!: 50 Scrumptiously Cheesy Recipes. It contains mouthwatering recipes that will have you cooking and eating in no time.

Are You Gluten and/or Lactose Intolerant?

Yes, unfortunately, some of us cannot eat a standard grilled cheese sandwich. But, no worries! If you can have gluten, use the bread of your choice. If not, I have two recipes for you.

Recipe 1

2 slices EnerG light tapioca bread

Lactose-free cheddar cheese (Check labels, please!)

Recipe 2

2 slices EnerG light tapioca bread

Dairy, casein and soy-free rice cheese

(I use Rice Vegan slices from Galaxy Nutritional Foods)

Toast the bread, shred cheese on top, broil for 1-2 minutes in oven or toaster oven. Watch carefully so the cheese and toast do not burn! Enjoy as open face sandwiches or place the slices together. Optional: top with crispy bacon, tomato, or pickle. The sandwich won’t be quite the same as you remember, but it is close enough!