Sweet Summer Night Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Toronto Chef Jason Bangerter used versatile mascarpone cheese to create this sweet grilled cheese sandwich. The texture of pan-fried brioche is crispy on the outside and buttery in the inside, while the creamy cheese pressed against ripe strawberries flavoured with fine herbs is an instant brunch winner!
Number of servings : 1 Serving
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cooking time: 5 Minutes Standing Time / 4 Minutes Cooking Time
Type of meal : | Sandwiches | Sandwiches
Special diet :
Ingredients
½ cup (125 mL) thinly sliced local strawberries
Splash of raspberry liqueur (optional)
Pinch of grated lemon rind
Pinch each, salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup (75 mL) Canadian Mascarpone cheese
Two 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick slices brioche bread, about 5-inch (12.5 cm) square*
4 large basil leaves
1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter, divided
Garnish
Strawberries
Edible flowers (daisy, lavender, day lily, hyssop or nasturtium) and fine herbs
(perilla, lemon balm, tarragon or verbena)
¼ cup (60 mL) toasted macadamia nuts
2 tbsp (30 mL) aged balsamic vinegar or vincotto
Directions
1. In a small bowl, toss the berries with liqueur (if using), lemon rind, salt and pepper; let marinate 5 minutes.
2. Spread the mascarpone cheese on one slice of the bread. Top with basil leaves to cover, then with strawberries. Top with remaining slice of bread.
3. In a small skillet, heat half of the butter on medium heat. When the butter is melted and starting to brown, add the sandwich. Cook, 2 minutes, turn over and add remaining butter. Cook 2 minutes or until golden brown. Slice in half. Garnish with strawberries, flowers, herbs, nuts and a small dish of vinegar for dipping.
*Bread: Trim ends of unsliced bread to make approximately a 5-inch (12.5 cm) square. Slice crosswise into ¾-inch (2 cm) thick slices
Cooking Tips: You could also use Canadian Brie, Fior di Latte or cream cheese. This sandwich would pair perfectly with strawberry flavoured Canadian Fruli beer or your favourite sparkling wine.
This is a grilled cheese that does not require heating through to melt the cheese. The cool buttery mascarpone and marinated berries are a wonderful contrast to the warm toasted brioche. This sandwich makes for a great summer brunch item or just a sweet garden harvest treat.
Nutritional information:
