Sausage, Jalapeño & Garlic Cheddar Grilled Cheese

My father warned me.

He warned me to be careful when I chopped jalapeños.  He warned me that they are very hot and whatever surface they touch leaves behind a trail of spice.  He warned my mom to not eat the cheese off of the cutting board where I, prior to cutting the cheese, had sliced the jalapeños.  She didn’t listen.  And she doesn’t like spicy things.

He warned me if I sliced these peppers, not to touch my eyes.  He warned me but I didn’t listen.  And I rubbed.

Oh man, it was bad.  Really bad.  I almost lost an eye.

But grilld cheez.  Let’s talk.

There isn’t one person I know who doesn’t undoubtedly not like it.  There I said it.  So when it’s clear that your new boyfriend’s friends do actually hate you, sweet talk ‘em by offering to make grilled cheese.  Same goes for those cranky new in-laws.  Works wonders.

First buy some specialty cheese.  Just this once.  Do it.  I personally dig garlic and herb cheddar.

Next, the meat:  cow meat, pig meat, chicken meat, turkey meat. Light, dark, or bacon.  I usually go with sausage.  I’m telling you, this is a real man’s meal.  Add a tomato or two…  Just for show, really… Then throw on the jalapeños.  It’s a must.

But don’t give this grilled cheese to anyone who doesn’t deserve it.  Except for your boyfriend’s friends.

Sausage, Jalapeño & Garlic Cheddar Grilled Cheese

(yields 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

meat leftovers (sausage, fresh turkey, chicken, beef)

1 medium jalapeño, sliced

4 slices whole wheat bread

3 tablespoons butter, divided

2/3 cup garlic & herb cheddar cheese, grated (or cheese of choice)

1 fresh ripe vine tomato, sliced

Preparation:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.  Once sizzling, add meat if it needs cooking time.  Add sliced jalapeños to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally as to not burn the peppers.

Meanwhile, lightly butter one side of each bread slice.  When cooked through, transfer meat and peppers to a dish.  Place 2 of the bread slices butter-side down in pan.  Turn heat to low.

Sprinkle  a layer of cheese on each slice, then add the meat.  Any meat.  All meat.

Distribute the jalapeños evenly, then place sliced tomatoes on top.  Add another layer of whatever cheese is remaining, then top each sandwich with the bread, butter-side facing up.

Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom piece of bread is golden brown.  Flip each sandwich, one at a time, to the other side while keeping the sandwich intact.  Cook the other side for another 3 minutes.

Once cheese is melted and the bread slices are golden brown, remove each grilled cheese from the heat.  Serve immediately.