There might be better ways than hiking to celebrate a major milestone birthday (I’m not telling which one), but this year my friend Helen and I decided that attempting to climb Mt. Whitney would be the right way to celebrate this event (with our devoted husbands cheering us on, and climbing as well). So, last Sunday night, in freezing weather, thunderstorms and snow, we set out to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain of the contiguous United States. We didn’t make it to the top (the weather was NOT permitting), but we had a great time anyway. Breathtaking views, raging snow-storms, and a nice bottle of French red wine to celebrate all helped to make this a birthday to remember, but what capped the experience was finding the perfect grilled cheese sandwich waiting for us in Lone Pine. That sandwich, and everything it represents, helped us feel welcomed by civilization again. In honor of my wonderful birthday hiking meal, this week’s post is dedicated to the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
The grilled cheese sandwich is an easy, quick way to satisfy hunger, nutrition, and comfort – all at once! Buttery toast, cheddar, tomatoes, avocado and an egg over-easy made up my Lone Pines grilled cheese. It was perfect as is, though when I shared it with my kids back at home I substituted olive oil for butter and added some edge by rubbing a raw garlic clove on the toasted bread before melting the cheese.
When making the perfect grilled cheese, there are many extras you can add for excitement. Some easy choices include grilled vegetables, hummus, pesto, olive tapenade, spinach, and beets (if you happen to be from, or in New Zealand, where they add beets to everything). And while grilled cheese is often made with cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, just about any variety of cheese will do. We’ve used mozzarella, swiss, even soft blue cheese for an added kick.
So, when you are in a lurch to make something quick, and have a little bread, some cheese, an egg, and a few veggies on hand, think of that perfect grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a complete (and totally comforting) meal that you can get to the table in less than 15 minutes.
Enjoy and remember to come and cook with us!
Lone Pine Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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