It is the season for grilled cheese and tomato soup, but more than that- I am now happy to use my oven on a frequent basis. Throughout the summer, I have been reprimanded for baking squash – but no more! In the past few days, I’ve cooked sweet potatoes, almost bought a pumpkin, and conquered a kitchen challenge of mine: baking bread (!!). Following a dutch oven recipe, Noah and I successfully made a loaf of crusty bread. Who knew it was so easy? I stressed over the yeast, over how the dough looked, over how it was cooking- until the first bite. How can I go back to buying $6 loaves of crusty bread when I know the ingredients add up to $1?
I will post a tutorial in my How To series at some point this fall when we make another successful loaf (I am still playing around with whole wheat as this one was almost entirely white flour). While the majority of the loaf disappeared directly into our mouths (with some help from a jar of Argentine dulce de leche… delish!), I saved a bit of the loaf to make a sandwich idea I had floating in my head. Arugula spread (similar to pesto but without cheese), vintage sharp white cheddar, and crisp pink lady apples- an elaborate grilled cheese of sorts. Enjoy!
Cheddar, Apple, and Arugula Sandwich (spread makes 4 sandwiches)
Arugula Spread (1/4 c total):
- 1/4 c toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1 c packed arugula
- 1 small garlic clove
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Per sandwich:
- 2 slices of crusty bread
- Arugula spread, or pre-made pesto
- Thin slices of a pink lady apple
- Thin slices of sharp white cheddar
- Extra arugula
Slice your apple and cheese. In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients for the arugula spread (similar consistency to pesto is desired).
Assemble your sandwich and butter the bread slightly before grilling the sandwich until the cheese gets melty and the bread is crispy. Stuff in your face while it’s still hot and avoid burning your tongue (oops).
Look at that beauty. The garlicky arugula spread with the sharp cheese and sweet apples… I have to make this again. I am linking up with Olives n Wine today for Treat Yourself Tuesday with this sandwich.. because everyone needs to treat themselves to some cheesy goodness today.
How do you plan on being good to yourself today? Have a glass of wine on me alongside this adult version of a grilled cheese, or make my almond butter s’mores bars from my last Treat Yourself Tuesday post.
Marisa
Jane says
Nommmmmmmmmmzzzzzzzzzzz this looks amazing. Food porn status
uprootfromoregon says
You should give it a try! xo
Katie @ Live Half Full says
That sounds delicious! I treated myself with a piece of chocolate after lunch!
uprootfromoregon says
Thanks for stopping by, Katie! I also love having a square of dark chocolate after lunch 🙂
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
Everything about this sandwich makes me happy. Arugula pesto, cheese, pink lady apples, more cheese, breaaaaaaaadddddddddd!!! Please come cook for me. I promise I will feed you wine 🙂 Thanks for linking up again, lady!
uprootfromoregon says
You bring the wine, I got the fancy sandwiches. Picnic of champions!
christina says
Yum! Cheese and fresh bread, two of my delicious weaknesses 🙂 baking bread has been a fear of mine, look forward to your how to.
morethanjustdessert says
This sandwich looks AMAAAAZING! And it sounds pretty easy to make, right up my alley!
Sarah @ Chocolate and Pavement says
Oh my, this looks AMAZING! I love that you baked the bread yourself. I absolutely love making homemade bread (although will be the first to admit it IS stressful the first few times you try a recipe!), but never do it enough because of how much time it takes. Also just scrolled through a few more of your posts – looking forward to following along! 🙂
uprootfromoregon says
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! Yes- baking it was so fun. I don’t normally keep bread around and instead eat more whole grains, but if I can make a whole wheat option work- it will be perfect. Let me know if you have any good recipes!
sani panini says
Sounds so good!
uprootfromoregon says
Thanks! Hope you get to try it out!