Another quick fix night...I need to grocery shop more! My fridge is a desert wasteland lately. :)
Comfort foods just sound so good when the weather turns chilly! This is a classic childhood favorite, updated with some new flavors and a twist.
You'll need for the sandwiches:
1 loaf crusty bread (I used Grand Central's Yukon Gold Potato Bread)
1 cup Jarlsberg, Emmenthaler, or Gruyere, finely grated
4 tbsp melted butter
Coarse ground pepper, to taste
Assemble as you would for a normal grilled cheese, top with the pepper, and brush both sides liberally with melted butter. Brown on medium heat in your cast-iron or equivalent until all the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread start to turn golden.
For the soup I used Trader Joe's chunky tomato bisque (low sodium) straight out of the can, but mixed in some fire-roasted tomatoes I had in the pantry, as well as some oregano and some whole milk to thicken it up slightly. Just heat according to direction.
All in all, a 20-minute meal that will warm you up for those long winter nights ahead!