By now you've all heard the Seattle Seahawks are in the Super Bowl...can't recall who they are playing, but really, what does it matter? The Hawks made it, after years of being losers, they've reached the Holy Grail of the NFL. God bless their concussed-helmet-wearing-ranting-at-Erin-Andrews-shocking-football-tipping-winning-hearts! They've been to the Super Bowl once before - and again, can't recall who they played (and lost to), but what was important then and now is the food, am I right or am I right? Who will remember the first half? The half-time show? The second half? The winner? Well, nobody around here unless the Hawks actually win...but we will remember the food...and today I'm going to give you the BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH EVER...or thereabouts. It's not just cheese. It's beyond cheese. Steady yourself, it's a mouthful in more ways than one...Pistachio, Pimento and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich...excuse me while I grab a napkin, just typing that made me drool.
Truly. I do not lie about food. This one is worth every dang on the Ol' Meter...five to be exact because this is dang, dang, dang, dang, dang good. After you eat one, and the fat lady sings, you'll thank me. Pistachios for the crunch, pimento for color and zip, a dash of cayenne for circulation (hey, you'll be sitting in front of the TV all afternoon so I'm watching out for your arteries!) cheese, of course, so the cayenne will have something to push through the arteries and bacon...bacon, bacon, bacon. Cue the choir - BACON!
Festive looking, no? When I made these for the mister for the play-off game, he took a bite and said, "Yep, these will work!" My heart actually skipped a beat...not one growl, grimace or otherwise rude remark...it was like watching the Life Cereal commercial...he likes it, he really likes it! Once the sandwiches are grilled, you won't be able to keep your hands off - so make more than you think you'll need because IF they are not all scarfed up on game day, they are great the day after! All this week I'm going to give you game-day food - I want you to be prepared, even if you aren't a Seahawks fan, in which case I can't add you to my will. I want you to have the best game-day food there is - and these sandwiches are the first things you need on your Super Bowl menu!
Now - on the count of three...let's all say it together...one, two, three...GO HAWKS! Beat whoever! Hit a homerun! Dunk that ball! FORE! Spike it! And the Goalie SCORES!!! Woot! Woot! I can talk football smack like none other!
Pistachio Pimento and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Pots and Pins
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 jar (4 oz.) diced pimento, drained
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 strips bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled
1/2 cup finely shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices bread
1/2 stick butter, divided
In a large bowl combine all ingredients, except for the bread and butter. Mix well. Divide the mixture between three slices of bread (it will be quite thick). Place remaining 3 pieces of bread on top. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Place the 3 sandwiches in the skillet and cook, with lid on, until the bottoms are evenly golden brown. Remove sandwiches from the pan (or lift them up one at a time) and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Return sandwiches to the pan, grilled side up, and cook, with lid on, until bottoms are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove to cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut into quarters. Makes 12 mini-sandwiches, serves 6 as appetizers, 3 as main.
