California-Style Dutch Grilled Cheese

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This grilled cheese sandwich capitalizes on the Dutch fondness for flavored cheese by using creamy Gouda cheese and then adding cumin and caraway seeds. Staying with the European custom, the ingredients are then sandwiched between slices of hearty brown bread and grilled. You can also add caramelized onions for a hint of sweetness (see note). The result is a comforting and exceptionally flavorful sandwich.

Yield
Prep Time15 minutes

Ingredients

Look for dairy brands with the Real California seals.    
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
2 cup (8 ounces) coarsely grated gouda cheese
2 tablespoon butter
8 slice (thin) of brown bread, such as rye (without caraway seeds) or pumpernickel, cut in half crosswise

Instructions

Heat a large saute‚ pan over a medium high heat. Add the seeds and toast just until they become fragrant, about 3 minutes (do not burn). Remove the seeds and let cool briefly. Do not wash pan. When the seeds are cool, crush in a mortal and pestle, or you can place them on a large cutting board and lightly pound them with the bottom of a heavy skillet.

In a medium bowl, toss the crushed seeds with the grated cheese. Distribute the cheese mixture over 4 slices of bread. Cover with the remaining 4 bread slices and press lightly to compress the sandwiches. Melt the butter in the same pan used to toast the seeds over a medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cover. Cook until the sandwiches are golden brown on the underside, about 3 minutes. Turn with a spatula, press the sandwiches to flatten slightly, cook until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Note: If you have the time, a wonderful slightly sweet addition to this sandwich is caramelized onions.

To make them: Cut one medium yellow or red onion in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into thin slices. In a large skillet over a low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the onions and cook very slowly, stirring occasionally. The onions will gradually turn a dark golden color, but this will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If the pan becomes too dry and the onions begin to scorch, add a very small amount of water. To make the sandwiches: After you've placed the cheese mixture on the bread slices, top with about two tablespoons of onions. Cover with remaining bread slices and follow as directed.

Per serving: 450 calories, 20 g protein, 90 mg cholesterol, 980 mg sodium, 4 g fiber 26 g fat (16 g saturated fat), 52% calories from fat, 35 g carbohydrates.

Recipe provided by the California Milk Advisory Board.

Recipe provided by the California Milk Advisory Board