Grilled Artisan Cheddar Fig Jam Sandwich Recipes

GRILLED ARTISAN CHEDDAR & FIG JAM SANDWICH

Steps:

• 1. Heat a panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, heat a ridged grill pan or large skillet over medium heat.
• 2. Using a serrated knife, cut the roll in half horizontally. Spread each cut side of the roll with 1 tablespoon of the fig jam, drizzle the jam with 1 teaspoon of the oil, and season it with the salt. Arrange the Cheddar pieces closely on the bottom roll half, being sure that the cheese does not hang over the sides of the roll. Cover it with the remaining roll half, jam-side down.
• 3. Place the sandwich in the panini press and cook it until the roll is toasted and golden brown and the cheese is desirably melty, about 4 minutes, depending on the press. If using a ridged grill pan or skillet, place the sandwich in the pan and top it with a cast-iron skillet or heavy saucepan. Cook until the underside is toasted, about 2 minutes. Flip the sandwich over, top it with the cast-iron skillet again, and cook until the other side is toasted and the cheese is melty, about 2 minutes more.
• 4. Cut the sandwich in half and serve it hot.

GRILLED CHEDDAR & TOMATO JAM SANDWICH

Steps:

• Using the very small holes of a box grater or other similar-size grating device, finely grate 6 ounces of the Cheddar. Place the cheese in a small bowl. Add the butter and, using the back of a fork, mash the mixture until the cheese is well incorporated into the butter.
• Using the large holes of a box grater or other similar-size grating device, grate the remaining cheese.
• To assemble: Spread the Cheddar-butter mixture on one side of each of the bread slices. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on your work surface. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of jam on each slice. Distribute the cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over a medium heat for 2 minutes. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are well browned (watch carefully because the cheese on the outside of the bread can darken quickly). Turn the sandwiches once more, press firmly with the spatula again, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the pan. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut in half and serve.
• For sandwich maker method: Preheat the sandwich maker. Follow directions for assembly above. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
• TOMATO JAM: If you're making this in the middle of tomato season when tomatoes are at their sweetest, reduce the sugar by 1 to 2 teaspoons.
• Cooking Directions: Place all the jam ingredients in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. The mixture should bubble ever so slightly but not boil. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the jam has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Let cool. (You can make this up to 1 week in advance. Store in the refrigerator).

FRESH-FIG GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Heat a griddle over medium heat.
• Spread cut sides of bread with fig jam. On the bottom half of the bread, layer 1/2 the cheese, then the ham, the figs, and the remaining cheese. Enclose with the top half of the bread. Brush with rosemary oil. Place on griddle or in a nonstick skillet, and weight top of sandwich with a heavy skillet or a foil-lined brick. Cook until bottom is golden, about 4 minutes. Flip sandwich over, and repeat with opposite side. Cut crosswise into 6 to 8 pieces; serve immediately.

GRILLED FRESH MOZZARELLA, PROSCIUTTO, AND FIG JAM SANDWICH

Steps:

• Split each roll, and layer with the mozzarella and prosciutto.
• Spread the top slices with the fig jam, then close up to form sandwiches.
• Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich.
• Heat a heavy nonstick skillet or panini press over med-high heat.
• Place the sandwiches in the pan, working in two batches depending on the size of the pan.
• Press the sandwiches or close the grill and brown, turning once or twice, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted; **you can press the sandwiches by weighting them with something heavy-such as a skillet or wide-bottomed saucepan.
• Though the rolls start off as round, once pressed they are considerably flatter and can easily be turned, if careful.
• Serve right away, cut on the diagonal.