7 Cheese Toasts You Can Eat for Dinner FOOD AND WINE MAGAZINE

[D Kline]

FOOD AND WINE MAGAZINE FOOD LINK


http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/7-cheese-toasts-you-can-eat-dinner


Grilled Cheddar Toasts with Red Onions and Peppers



Spiced Ham-and-Cheese Toasts

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat or unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced sage
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups finely diced smoked ham
• 1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 scallions—2 thinly sliced, 2 julienned
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 6 slices of firm white bread or pain de mie, crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt

Active: 30 MIN

• Total Time: 1 HR

• Servings: 24 toasts

to make this recipe

1. Heat the bacon fat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the chopped onion and sage leaves, cloves and cayenne and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened but not browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the ham mixture cool to room temperature.
2. In a food processor, combine the ham mixture with the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar and pulse until the mixture resembles the texture of a rustic country pâté.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°. Brush the bread slices with the melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Using a sharp knife, cut each slice of bread into 4 triangles. Transfer the bread triangles to a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, until golden.
4. Spread some of the spiced ham mixture on each toast triangle and bake for about 10 minutes, until browned in spots. Garnish the ham-and-cheese toasts with the julienned scallions and serve right away.

Make Ahead

The spiced ham mixture can be refrigerated in a covered airtight container for 4 days.

Suggested Pairing
Juicy, berry-rich California red blend: NV Modern House Wines Here's To You.