My mom is renowned for her grilled cheese sandwiches. I am not exaggerating here. Truly, making grilled cheese is an art form. Her sandwiches are an amalgamation of melted swiss cheese, oozing out of the sides, and buttery, toasted bread that crunches when you bite into it. In the summer, she’ll add a slice of juicy tomato, for a sublime variation on a classic. When it comes to this sandwich, however, I’m in charge of assembling. Soft white bread is slathered with rich fig preserves. Swiss cheese and Black Forest Ham are layered on top, followed by sweet and crisp apple slices and minced basil or mint, or both. After that, I call in the professional to cook grilled cheese as only she can. 

Grilled Ham and Cheese with Apple and Fig Preserves

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 slices soft white sandwich bread
• 1 tablespoon fig preserves
• 2 slices swiss cheese
• 3 slices Black Forest Ham
• ¼ of a Gala apple, cored and sliced thin
• 4 fresh basil or mint leaves, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Spread fig preserves on one slice of bread. Layer 1 slice of cheese, all of the ham, and the apple slices. Sprinkle with basil or mint and top with remaining slice of swiss cheese and piece of bread.
2. In a small non-stick sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over med-high heat. Add sandwich and cook until the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. Enjoy!

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