Dedication For my mother … it’s as simple as that. Acknowledgments Everyone remembers the first time they sank their teeth into a toasted white bread traditional grilled cheese. This experience is enhanced by the memory of this grilled cheese cooked with love by their mother or grandmother. It is a memory that I have cherished of my Nanny and mom. It is a memory that has moved me to create this cookbook and to share my passion for a grilled cheese sandwich with the world. There are many people I would like to acknowledge for making this cookbook a reality. My family, first and foremost, was truly there for me during the entire process. My father was always there with an empty stomach and a knife and fork, willing to taste any sandwich I created. My sister Jaime and brother-in-law Adam answered my business questions and always took an interest. My two nephews, Nathan and Andrew, provided me with inspiration to create two grilled cheese sandwiches based on their favorite meals. Nate inspired “Stuffed French Toast,” also known as French Toast Cookies, while Drew’s recent diagnosis of Celiac disease and new diet drove me to create “The Snack Time,” or Drewliscious. Located in small-town Ohio, my great-aunt Betty, surprised by most of the ingredients included in this cookbook, always asked, “What sandwich are you creating today?” Occasionally, as I was cooking, I would run out of an ingredient. Thankfully, my neighbors, Susan and Roger, were there to lend a helping hand with extras from their pantry. Without the understanding of my boss, Kori, I would not have had the opportunity to enjoy the creation of this book. Thank you. Ingredients mentioned in this book were purchased at local mainstays Miles Farmers Market and Heinen’s as well as Whole Foods Market and Giant Eagle. The Cheese Lady from Miles and Cheesemonger Jason, from Whole Foods, were instrumental with creative suggestions. Finally, I must thank my good friend Kyle for creating the moniker “GrilledShane.” Without his quick creativity, I might still be trying to develop my grilled cheese identity. Contents Introduction How to Rock a Reimagined Grilled Cheese Part 1 Seriously Savory Sandwiches Chapter 1 Gastronomically Gourmet Balsamic Basil Basil Peppercorn Pistachio and Beets Classic Meatballs Marinara Fusion Salmon Piccata Ahi Tuna Steak Melt Curried Egg Salad The Updated Caprese Soup-less French Onion The Mediterranean Prosciutto and Arugula Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cheddar Crème Fraîche with Apple and Cucumber The Blue Potato Quinoa Black Bean The Sunday Brunch Sunflower Gouda Griller White Wine and Mushrooms BBQ Chickpeas Roasted Garlic Tomato Aioli Ciliegine with Lime Vinaigrette The Spicy Soy Tillamook Cheddar and Baby Bok Choy Cayenne Cornbread The Fried Egg The Bacon Filet Salmon Croquettes with Dill Asparagus and Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette Homemade Salsa Chapter 2 Living on the Edge The Deconstructed Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Veggies and Dip The Unusual Reuben Fish ’N Chips Sea Salt Hummus Green Tea Tofu The Ramen The Beer, Kale, and Crouton Mash-Up The Wedgie Risotto The Double Decker Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Mushrooms Oh! Rings Farfalle Pesto Grilled Cheese Stuffed Chips Inside-Out Blue Cheese Pecan The Savory Waffle Ultimate Cheesy Fries Pretzel Baked Beans The Scrambled Spanakopita The Pizza Volcano Boneless Buffalo Wings The Hashbrown Fried Matzoh with Horseradish Mayo Garlic and Green Onion Mashed Potato The Potato Pancake The Spicy Dubliner Mini-Eggplant Sliders Big Game Nachos and Cheese Part 2 Surprisingly Sweet Stacks Chapter 3 Epicurean Adventures The Nutella Harvest Fest Honey Roasted PB & J Squash with Apple Butter Marinated Berries Coconut Peach Kicked-Up Mint The Tropical Currant Jam Walnut Pomegranate Apple Pie Pineapple Brown Butter Cinnamon Kiwi Carrot Cake Boston Cream Pie The Granola Bar Sweet Grapes and Brie Chocolate Mascarpone and Strawberry Strawberry-Mango Chapter 4 Experimental Territory Dessert Waffles Cheerios and Honey Stuffed French Toast The Candied Baconator Rice Krispies Treats Coffee Sponge Cake The S’more Chocolate Brownie Indulgence Crème de Menthe Noodle Pudding The Cinnamon Roll Cookie Cheesecake Mascarpone Pound Cake Cherries Jubilee Amaretto Rhubarb The Snack Time Crunchy Chocolate Peanut The Twisted Parfait Sea Salt Caramel Pumpkin Pie The Candy Cane Appendix Suitable Substitutions