Kool Gherks & Saxelby’s Pawlet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

 

As far as FORPs (Friends of Rick’s Picks) go, Saxelby’s Cheesemongers is right up there with Family.  I ventured to Essex Market last Saturday with the dream of a compliment to a Kool Gherks grilled cheese sandwich in tow.  We were making lentil soup.  Saxelby’s immediate recommendation of their Pawlet was spot on.  Freshly sliced, I imagined that the tart lingering finish of the Pawlet would be great on a charcuterie platter with the Kool Gherks, but I had plans. 

Soup and a grilled cheese sandwich awaited!

Our aromatic whole gherkin with dill and pickling spices, coupled with the earthy nuttiness of the Pawlet was a match made in pickle and cheese heaven.  Hot off the cast iron with the crunch of toasty bread, the Pawlet and Kool Gherks finished each other's sentences as the perfect warm gooey blend.

When you’re in the mood for a little twist on a comfort food craving, this is your sandwich.   

Kool Gherks & Saxelby's Pawlet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Method: The Ingredients

1 jar of Rick's Picks Kool Gherks
1 rustic loaf of sourdough bread 1/2 lb of Saxelby's Cheesemongers Pawlet cheese
1 tbs of unsalted butter
1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil

The Madness: The Assembly

Slice the bread into 1/2" thick portions. 

On the base of the sandwich bread, we placed sliced pieces of the Pawlet cheese.  We then piled thinly sliced Kool Gherks rounds onto the cheese.  For good measure, we topped the pickle slices with additional cheese before finishing off the sandwich.

In a large skillet melt 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter with 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.  Add sandwiches to heated skillet.  Either press the sandwiches with a weight (I use a mini cast iron skillet), or carefully press your sandwiches with a spatula.  Allow the sandwiches to brown, approximately 2 - 3 minutes.  Flip your sandwiches.  If you find that your pan is a little dry of butter and oil, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil.  Repeat your browning process until the Pawlet is melted; and both sides of your sandwich are beautifully grill cheesy brown.

Remove sandwiches from the pan, slice, and serve immediately!

Enjoy!

xo, Bon Appégeechee